Ep25: PPI Pressure & Rate-Cut Recalibration: Markets Stabilize Post-Inflation Surge — August 14th, 2025

In this calming yet data-rich installment of The Gentle Ledger, we guide you through a market day disrupted by hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation numbers. U.S. indexes moved cautiously, with the Dow slipping 104 points to 44,911.26, the S&P 500 touching another record at 6,468.54, and the Nasdaq dipping slightly to 21,710.67. We explore sector shifts, from Amazon’s 2.9% rise on expanded grocery delivery plans to Tapestry and Deere’s tariff-driven losses, and Fossil Group’s surprising 30% surge.We then cross over to Asia and Europe, where caution dominated sentiment, before delving into commodities — gold edging lower, Brent crude steady near $67, and iron ore slipping — alongside a 10-year Treasury yield climbing toward 4.29%. In crypto, Bitcoin cooled to around $118,000 after briefly touching $124,100.The episode closes with a soft-spoken synthesis of the day’s themes and a gentle look ahead to retail sales and industrial output data that could shape the next chapter in the inflation story. A perfect listen for those seeking a peaceful yet precise market wrap.