The dollar eased ahead of US CPI, which could affect Fed timing for any further hikes. Investors will watch whether a Middle East conflict-driven energy shock has broadened price pressures. Oil has pulled back recently on hopes of conflict resolution, but volatility remains elevated. A Wall Street Journal economist survey sees Oct headline inf MoM slowing to 0.3% from Sep’s 0.6% and core inf MoM to 0.2% from 0.3%. The DXY index was down 0.12% at 101.55.