Inflation Eases, Markets Steady Amid Fed Speculations

U.S. stock index futures slowed losses after data indicated easing inflation pressures. The Producer Price Index rose 3.2% annually, less than expected. Core PPI excluding food and energy rose 3.4%. Jobless claims were 220,000, slightly below estimates, offering clues on the Federal Reserve's next moves.

U.S. stock index futures curtailed earlier losses on Thursday in response to new data showing easing inflationary pressures. This development has given investors some relief as they continue to search for indicators on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions for the remainder of the year.

The Labor Department's latest figures reveal that the Producer Price Index increased by 3.2% annually in February, a slight decrease from the 3.3% rise that economists surveyed by Reuters had anticipated. On a monthly basis, the index held steady.

Excluding the volatile sectors of food and energy, the core Producer Price Index increased by 3.4% over the past year, just below the 3.5% projection. Additionally, weekly jobless claims were reported at 220,000, undercutting the estimated 225,000, suggesting a marginally strengthening job market.

(With inputs from agencies.)