The Fed's preferred core inflation measure, which excludes food and energy, rose 3.5%, in line with the market's view, easing from 3.7% the month earlier. In corporate news, Blackstone (BX), EQT, and CVC Capital Partners are bidding to acquire a minority stake in DFL Deutsche Fussball Liga, which holds broadcasting rights for major German football leagues, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Bank of America's (BAC) BofA Securities unit has been fined $24 million for engaging in spoofing and related supervisory failures for more than six years, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority said Thursday.