US stocks traded mixed on Wednesday as hotter-than-expected inflation data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep policy tight for longer. The S&P 500 inched higher, supported by gains in tech stocks, while the Dow slipped and the Nasdaq outperformed.
Technology shares led the rebound, with Nvidia, Micron and ON Semiconductor advancing as AI-linked optimism returned after the prior session’s weakness. Broader market sentiment remained pressured, however, as rising inflation driven by energy costs and tariffs weighed on most sectors outside tech.
Oil prices eased after recent gains, but remain elevated due to supply disruptions from the Iran conflict, keeping bond yields high and reducing hopes of near-term rate cuts. Higher yields pressured rate-sensitive sectors like utilities and real estate, while investors continued to reassess Fed policy expectations.