DJIA down 38.33 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - New York, 12 Aug - US shares were trading higher at midday as indices look ahead to key inflation data after closing higher on Friday but posting small losses for the week, which was characterised by high volatility and a steep selloff due to fears for a deep US economic slowdown.

The volatility index has retreated from the highs touched last Monday, but traders are uncertain to what the Federal Reserve will do next. Traders are hoping for more clues on Tuesday with the producer price index report and on Wednesday in particular when the consumer price index is scheduled for release.

If the data were to be positive, it might ease fears that the Federal Reserve has been late in moving to support the economy.

At 1518 GMT, the Dow Jones was losing 38.33 points, or 0.10%, at 39,459.21 points.

The S&P 500 was 23.05 points, or 0.43%, higher at 5,367.21 points.

The Nasdaq was gaining 131.58 points, or 0.79%, at 16,877.19 points.

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(RADIOCOR) 12-08-24 17:22:15 (0348) 5 NNNN