<h1>Global markets mixed as U.S.-China leader meeting eases trade fears; Japanese inflation rises, energy stocks rally</h1> Global equity markets were mixed after the White House confirmed a forthcoming meeting between the U.S. president and the Chinese leader, which eased some trade uncertainty though a major deal remained uncertain. U.S. futures and major European and Asian benchmarks showed modest gains and losses; Japanese inflation rose to 2.9% while the Bank of Japan is expected to hold rates. Energy stocks rallied earlier on sanctions announced against Russia's crude sector, which briefly lifted oil prices before they eased. Currency and commodity moves were muted, with gold and oil slipping slightly.