U.S. equity markets opened slightly lower as traders awaited the September inflation report for insights into the Federal Reserve’s next policy decisions. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones traded in narrow ranges, reflecting cautious sentiment. Bond yields remained elevated, influencing investor positioning across sectors. Energy and banking stocks showed mixed performance amid selective buying and profit-taking. Market participants maintained a risk-aware approach, balancing exposure to equities with macroeconomic uncertainty, while closely monitoring inflation data as a key driver for near-term market movements and monetary policy guidance.