The Dow Jones average fared the worst of the major indexes with its 0.5% drop, or loss of 224 points, despite a 3.2% gain for Apple AAPL. The 30-stock index sank below its 21-day exponential moving average. Caterpillar stock CAT was a loser on the Dow after a ratings downgrade.

Global share markets hit a record and the dollar was subdued on Wednesday, as investors cheered mild inflation data and signs of resilience in major economies, and expectations of a U.S. rate buoyed demand for riskier assets.