European markets open mixed after hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data

European markets showed a mixed performance on Friday as investors assessed the impact of US inflation data on the outlook for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The pan-European Stoxx 600 remained flat shortly after the opening bell, with various sectors and major bourses pointing in different directions. The US producer price index, released on Thursday, revealed a higher-than-expected 0.6% rise in February. The Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, starting next week, is being closely watched for clues about future interest rate cuts. European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane stated that the ECB will have a clearer picture of inflationary pressures in June. Asian markets, including Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index, declined while US stock futures edged lower.