US inflation metrics gave mixed signals in separate reports Friday, complicating a narrative of moderating price pressures in the world’s largest economy. Consumer inflation expectations as measured by the University of Michigan unexpectedly fell in early August, despite higher gasoline and grocery costs. Meantime, producer prices grew last month by more than expected, primarily due to increases in certain service categories. The divergence suggests a uneven path ahead for inflation that is otherwise moderating. Data out Thursday showed an underlying measure of consumer prices posted its smallest back-to-back ... (full story)