Asian stocks rise as US inflation data dents September Fed hike bets

Asian stocks rose after U.S. July CPI matched expectations (0.1%), easing near-term Fed hike odds — MSCI ex-Japan +0.97%, South Korea +4.4%, Nikkei +1.86%.
Oil held near $80 a barrel as U.S.–Iran talks stalled and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz kept geopolitical risk elevated.
The yen softened vs. the dollar amid speculation the Bank of Japan may hike sooner after hotter wholesale inflation, keeping rates and currency moves in focus.