"Inflation Data Dampens Asian Markets, Dollar Rises: Stock Updates for March 15"

Asian stocks fell as tech-led declines on Wall Street and hotter-than-forecast U.S. inflation raised concerns about the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates. U.S. benchmark bond yields neared 4.3%, the dollar rose, and crude oil prices slipped. Bitcoin retreated from an all-time high, and the U.S. Treasury bond market reacted strongly to the inflation data. The impact on equities was muted, but the tech-driven rally faced potential headwinds. Asian markets were weighed down, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index and South Korea's Kospi sliding over 2%. Japan's Nikkei eased 0.33%, and signs pointed to an exit from ultra-easy stimulus at the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy meeting.