World markets traded sideways as investors stepped aside on valuation worries compounded by ongoing rate uncertainties. China set an ambitious annual economic growth target and hiked its defense spending amid rising tensions with the U.S. 

Major averages on Wall Street looked down, Treasury yields held firm, and crude oil prices lacked direction ahead of the release of non-farm payrolls and JOLT reports.

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Benchmark indexes in the U.S. and Europe hovered near record highs as expectations of higher earnings growth overshadowed worries of interest rates staying higher for longer. Chinese policymakers' struggle to announce economic reforms may test new lows in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Benchmark indexes traded around record highs as investors reassessed rate paths and continued to fuel a narrow market rally powered by semiconductor stocks.

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U.S. major averages turned lower on the final trading day of the week after extending monthly gains for the fourth month in a row in February. European markets traded near record highs, and indexes in Japan, China, and India extended weekly gains.

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In February, benchmark indexes in the U.S., Germany, and France advanced 5%, in Japan gained 8%, in Hong Kong added 6%, and in Shanghai soared 9%. 

Benchmark indexes rebounded after the closely watched measure of watered-down inflation met investors' expectations.

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U.S. benchmark indexes inched lower, and fourth-quarter economic growth was revised slightly lower. European markets held firm, and investors reacted to a flood of earnings results. Chinese markets continued to drift lower. 

Investors remained on the sidelines ahead of the release of the closely watched alternative measure of inflation. U.S. GDP growth in the fourth quarter was revised slightly lower in the second estimate.

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U.S. stocks lacked direction, and investors digested recent economic data and corporate earnings from retailers, technology companies, and a cruise line operator. European markets advanced, and overall private sector credit growth stalled in the eurozone.

Stocks lacked direction, and Treasury yields edged slightly higher after factory orders declined at the fastest pace in nearly four years in January.

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Benchmark indexes in the U.S. and Europe lacked direction and traded near record highs, and bond yields stayed elevated across the Atlantic. The Nikkei 225 index closed at a new record high, but indexes in China resumed their downward slide.

Benchmark indexes lacked direction and yield on Treasury noted edged lower ahead of the release of a measure of inflation later in the week.

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Benchmark indexes on Wall Street extended weekly gains, and Treasury yields stayed elevated. The Nvidia-powered market rally extended gains in artificial intelligence-linked tech stocks.

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The blowout earnings from Nvidia powered a rally that lifted the indexes in Japan, Germany, France, and the U.S. to record highs. The S&P 500 traded at a new high, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced more than 2%.