US Stocks Slump to Worst Monthly Performance in 11 Months on Inflation and AI Jitters

Major US stock indices closed lower on February 27, marking a significant downturn as the S&P 500 recorded its worst monthly performance in 11 months. The index fell 0.43% during the session, ending February with a total decline of 1.43%. Other benchmarks followed suit, with the Nasdaq Composite sliding 0.92% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 1.05%. Market sentiment was heavily weighed down by fresh inflation data and growing anxiety regarding the valuations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments. These macroeconomic and sector-specific pressures particularly punished technology and growth stocks. The broad decline across all major indices indicates a notable shift toward risk-off behavior among global investors.