The cautious sentiment prevailing throughout the week persisted on Thursday, with U.S. stock futures indicating a mostly lower open as traders anxiously await the Federal Reserve’s favored inflation gauge. If the reading proves milder than anticipated, pent-up demand from sidelined traders could propel stocks sharply higher, but a hotter-than-expected inflation figure may trigger further selling. Rising bond yields and a firmer dollar reflect apprehensions about the inflation data. Market participants will also hear from numerous Fed officials before the “blackout” period begins on March 9. Wh…
