The dollar index stabilized just below 99 on Friday and was set to end the week higher as investors braced for a crucial inflation report that could shape the outlook for the economy and interest rates. The report, delayed by the ongoing government shutdown, is expected to show persistent inflationary pressures but is unlikely to prevent the Federal Reserve from cutting rates next week. However, a stronger-than-expected reading could influence the Fed’s December decision by tempering expectations for further easing. Traders also monitored trade developments after the White House confirmed the Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea next week, with US and Chinese representatives set to hold preparatory talks in Malaysia over the weekend. The dollar was poised for its largest weekly gain against the yen amid rising expectations of fiscal stimulus in Japan, while both the euro and the pound also weakened against the greenback.