In-line CPI, energy-driven market split

US benchmarks closed mixed as investors weighed an in-line February CPI print and ongoing energy volatility: SPX dipped 0.08%, DJIA fell 0.61% and ^IXIC ticked up 0.08%. European markets were lower - DAX slid 1.37%, UKX dropped 0.56% and FRA40 lost 0.19% - while in Asia NKY rose 1.43% and 000001.SS gained 0.25% as regional flows diverged amid energy and geopolitical headlines.

Energy outperformed with XLE up 2.48%, while consumer-defensive XLP (-1.32%) and real-estate VNQ (-1.04%) were among the weakest sectors. On the individual-stock front, NVTS (24.88%) and NBIS (16.14%) were top gainers while GSIW (-11.64%) and FICO (-9.33%) were notable decliners.

The US February CPI report showed headline CPI +0.3% month-on-month and 2.4% year-on-year, with core CPI +0.2% m/m and 2.5% y/y; the in-line readings reduced surprise risk and supported market pricing for a near-term Fed hold. Real average hourly earnings rose 0.2% in February, a mix that supports consumer spending expectations even as recent oil-price moves keep upside inflation risk under watch.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' February CPI release was in line with forecasts (headline +0.3% m/m, +2.4% y/y; core +0.2% m/m), producing mixed futures reactions and modestly higher Treasury yields as traders reassessed near-term policy risks. The IEA approved a coordinated 400 million-barrel emergency release; the action briefly tempered crude futures but left prices elevated and energy equities such as XOM and CVX firmer. Meta unveiled a four-generation MTIA chip roadmap, signaling continued hyperscaler capital spending and placing modest pressure on GPU suppliers including NVDA and AMD. Google completed its acquisition of Wiz. Announced transactions included Cypress Creek's purchase of a 2.5 GW solar project with 2.9 GWh of storage in Arkansas from Swift Current Energy and Ara Energy's announced acquisition of Gate City Power and related assets in a transaction cited at roughly $875 million.