Asian markets hit by rate worries after US inflation surprises

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Asian markets sank in line with Wall Street on Friday after a sharper-than-expected jump in US wholesale prices dealt a blow to hopes for interest rate cuts, while the uncertainty also sent bitcoin tumbling.

The surprisingly large bump in February's producer price index followed a forecast-beating read on consumer prices earlier in the week and overshadowed separate figures pointing to a slowdown in retail sales.

The reports also came after above-estimate data for January and will likely instil nervousness on trading floors ahead of the Federal Reserve's next policy decision on March 19-20.

While officials are not expected to move on rates, their post-meeting statement will be pored over for an idea of their thinking, with many -- including boss Jerome Powell -- having warned they will only cut when confident inflation is under control.

The bank's dot plot estimates for rates through the rest of the year will also be closely examined, with markets pricing in three cuts -- in line with policymakers' most recent forecasts.

Analysts said the latest figures suggested the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) deflator, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, could come in higher than hoped.

All three main indexes on Wall Street ended in the red as the recent strong rally faded on rate-cut worries and profit-taking, with a jump in yields denting optimism and sending the dollar higher.

"Equity and bond bulls are staring at their calendars and drawing a 'big red circle' around the 20th of this month," said Jose Torres of Interactive Brokers.

"Folks are concerned Powell may have to pull a dangerous U-turn during his ride on the monetary-policy highway. His dovish messaging since December has driven an intense loosening in financial conditions."

Hong Kong shed 1.4 percent -- having enjoyed a strong run-up at the start of the year -- while there were also losses in Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangkok, Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta.

Shanghai, however, edged up even after China decided not to cut interest rates, with authorities refusing to unveil a strong stimulus to kickstart the struggling economy.

London rose at the open, while Paris and Frankfurt were flat.

The yen swung against the dollar after Japan's largest union announced an average of more than five percent pay increases for members -- the biggest in 30 years -- in the latest round of wage talks, likely putting further upward pressure on inflation.

The news will also add to expectations the country's central bank will shift from its long-running, ultra-loose monetary policy when it meets next week.

Bitcoin tumbled to as low as $66,715, a day after hitting a fresh record high of $73,797 as risk aversion sets in and observers warn the cryptocurrency may have risen too quickly in recent weeks.

The unit has rocketed around 50 percent since the middle of February on rate cut hopes and a surge in interest caused by US authorities' decision to allow greater trading accessibility.

Oil held most of its gains, sitting around its highest levels since November, after the International Energy Agency forecast demand would pick up more than previously expected and reports said US stockpiles had fallen.

- Key figures around 0810 GMT -