Inflation rates fluctuate globally, impacting stocks and currencies.

Stock markets were mixed as concerns over global growth weighed down China, while British inflation came in lower than expected, causing sterling to drop. US retail sales data showed solid growth in core sales, boosting hopes for the US economy. Big US bank shares rose on strong results, and Microsoft's stock surged after announcing charges for artificial intelligence features. British inflation, along with Canada and the US, has been lower than anticipated. The New Zealand dollar jumped after inflation came in slower than expected. European Central Bank member Klaas Knot's remarks on future rate hikes caused a rally in European bonds and Treasuries.