NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. markets are tumbling before the opening bell with the S&P 500 hinting at bear territory amid seeping pessimism over stubborn, four-decade high inflation. Futures for the Dow Jones industrials are down more than 500 points, or 1.7%, while futures for the S&P have fallen 2.2%, or 91.50, to 3,809. That’s a decline of more than 20% since Jan. 3 and if that holds until markets close, would push Wall Street’s main barometer of health into a bear market. Investors had hoped a critical consumer price report n Friday would show the worst inflation in generations had slowed a touch last month, passing its peak. Instead, it accelerated.