US stocks paused on Monday after a week of record highs, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 hovering around the flatline following new closing highs. The Nasdaq Composite remained stable after a strong week for tech stocks. Investors are awaiting new inflation data this week, particularly the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index reading on Thursday, which could impact the ongoing debate about the timing of a rate cut.

Berkshire Hathaway closed in on a $1 trillion market value after posting a record annual profit for the second consecutive year. Domino's Pizza shares surged 8% after surpassing fourth-quarter sales estimates. There is growing interest in AI technologies within the fast-food industry, with Domino's leading the way in implementing artificial intelligence to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiencies.

Li Auto stock rose over 14% as the company reported its first-ever annual net profit and a significant increase in vehicle deliveries. Electric vehicle peers like XPeng, NIO, and Tesla also saw gains on Monday. Amidst market excitement over AI stocks, the S&P 500 has advanced in 15 out of the last 17 weeks, nearing a record streak in the index's history.

Market analysts point to potential vulnerabilities in the market rally, particularly related to inflation persistence and its impact on central bank policies. Warren Buffett's annual letter highlighted Berkshire's success in investments and capital deployment in companies with enduring economic fundamentals.

As investors brace for the upcoming inflation report and assess various market indicators, the stock market continues to navigate record highs and evolving trends in AI technologies, electric vehicles, and corporate earnings.