U.S. major averages inched higher into record territory for the 35th time this year as rate-cut expectations, earnings optimism, and artificial intelligence-linked spending boosted mega-cap stocks.

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U.S. investors look forward to the release of inflation reports this week. European markets may face headwinds after the changing political landscape in France and the U.K. In Asia, Japan struggles with the slow pace of corporate governance reforms, and China battles with a lack of domestic demand growth and a halting policy response. 

Stocks advanced at the start of a new week after benchmark indexes gained in the previous five weeks in a row. Investors are looking forward to the release of inflation reports later in the week and recalibrating their rate-cut expectations. 

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U.S. major averages are set to extend weekly gains, and Treasury yields declined after the nonfarm payrolls for April and May were sharply revised down. 

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The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite advanced to new record highs after a batch of softer economic data strengthened the case of interest rate cuts later in the year. European bond yields advanced ahead of the UK parliamentary elections on Thursday. Market indexes in Japan and Hong Kong extended the recent rally.

Private sector payrolls in June expanded at a slower-than-expected pace, and initial jobless claims rose more than estimated in the previous week. The U.S. goods and service trade deficit in May widened after exports decreased more than imports. 

U.S. major averages rose to new highs, and Treasury yields eased a fraction after Fed Chairman Powell cited progress on inflation but reiterated that the central bank is not ready to lower interest rates. 



Benchmark indexes on Wall Street lacked direction as investors stayed on the sidelines in the absence of domestic catalysts. Job openings edged slightly higher in May, but hovered near the three-year low reached in April.

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The artificial intelligence craze drove the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite higher in the second quarter and extended gains in the first half.

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On Friday, investors are anticipating the release of the alternative measure of inflation. European markets braced for parliamentary elections in the UK and France next week. Asian currency markets fear another round of competitive devaluation as Japan lets the yen sink.

Stocks were in a holding pattern after investors reviewed mixed quarterly earnings and economic updates. New durable goods orders rose unexpectedly in May, and GDP growth in the first quarter was revised higher in the third estimate.

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Market indexes in New York, Europe, and China lacked momentum, and the Japanese yen searched for a lower bottom amid a lack of support from the Bank of Japan. 

Tech stocks attempted to rebound for the second day in a row, and investors looked ahead to the release of the PCE price inflation update. Single-family new home sales in May declined in double-digits to a six-month low.

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U.S. major averages rebounded, Treasury yields held steady, and crude oil prices fell. European markets closed down amid election jitters in the UK and France. The Japanese yen's weakness signals lower lows for the embattled currency. The Chinese premier reiterated the annual economic growth target and dismissed economic decoupling risks. 



Investors rotated out of high-prices mega-cap tech stocks into financial services and energy sectors amid valuation worries following the recent run-up.

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