Apple Decouples from Tech Drag as Fed Warnings Cap Nasdaq Gains

A collision of softer inflation data and hawkish central bank messaging is shaping a highly selective trading environment. Easing price pressures initially lifted risk appetite as June wholesale inflation metrics fell below expectations [1][2]. This cooling trend was further confirmed by June CPI dropping to 3.5% [3][4], which boosted expectations of a Federal Reserve pause [5]. However, Wall Street's optimism hit a wall when Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered hawkish congressional testimony, warning that inflation remains sticky and keeping interest rate hikes on the table [3]. This split narrative has introduced notable divergence across major asset classes. In equities,…