U.S. stocks fluctuated due to uncertain tariffs and weak inflation statistics.

As investors evaluated a lower-than-expected inflation number and watched the swift changes in President Donald Trump's tariff proposals, U.S. stocks dipped back into the flatline in early trading on Wednesday.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 increased by 81 points, or 0.5%, the benchmark S&P 500 dipped by 5 points, or 0.1%, and the 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 320 points, or 0.8%, by 11:20 ET (15:20 GMT).

According to government statistics released on Wednesday, U.S. consumer prices increased more slowly than expected in February. Fed officials who are concerned about the possible effects of President Donald Trump's policies on inflation will probably be closely watching this data.

In the twelve months ending in February, the headline consumer price index (CPI), a crucial indicator of inflation in the biggest economy in the world, decreased from 3.0% in January to 2.8%. According to Labor Department data, the gauge decreased from 0.5% to 0.2% month over month. Readings of 2.9% and 0.3%, respectively, were forecast by economists.

Nearly half of the monthly increase was due to shelter expenses, which were somewhat offset by a 1% drop in petrol prices and a 4% drop in airline fares, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Price increases for eggs, which have skyrocketed as a result of hen shortages connected to avian flu, were also offset by lower prices for dairy and fruits and vegetables.