While consumer-level inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index and Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, has ticked only marginally higher, PPI inflation soared in Jul

In one of the more surprising developments of the current trading environment, U.S. stocks remained near record highs on Thursday despite a sharper-than-expected increase in producer prices and a weakening labor market that is pointing to slowing economic growth.

U.S. stock futures are trading mixed early Thursday as traders await another key inflation figure, the Producer Price Index, today. Global markets

U.S. stock futures pointed to small losses early on Thursday following new index highs the previous day, with the market focusing on the possibility of a jumbo interest-rate cut in September. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 30 points,

Stocks close mixed Thursday, but largely unchanged, following a hotter-than-expected reading on July PPI.