Global Markets Rise on Positive US Economic Data and Fed Decision

US stocks opened mixed as the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up while the S&P 500 dropped, and the Nasdaq Composite traded flat. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed slight price increases in November, adding to the debate over when the Federal Reserve will start lowering rates. Inflation data for November indicated that price pressures continue to moderate, but not at a rapid pace that would put considerable pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates. The report showed that energy costs fell while shelter costs rose. Investors are expecting a pause to rate hikes at the end of the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting, but traders are easing back on their bets for a rate cut in March.