Asian markets fluctuate as inflation remains in focus

HONG KONG (TIP): Asian markets were mixed Thursday as rising inflation fears were tempered by a report that teetering Chinese property giant Evergrande had once again avoided a default after meeting bond-payment deadlines. US investors ran for cover and the dollar soared after a forecast-beating read on the consumer price index, which hit a 31-year high last month, putting fresh pressure on the Federal Reserve to act to prevent inflation running out of control. The surge — which came a day after a report showing producer prices accelerating — was fanned by a spike in the cost of various items, particularly gasoline, autos and food prices, and ramped up expectations the central bank will be forced to tighten monetary policy quicker than hoped. While Fed officials insist the jump will be temporary as the global economy slowly returns to a semblance of normality next year, observers warned the pain could continue for some time.