World stocks are holding near record highs hit overnight as strong U.S. manufacturing surveys and robust PMI readings in Europe lifted sentiment. While the strong data elicited a familiar response from the bond and currency markets with sovereign yields subdued and the dollar struggling near 2021 lows, there are growing signs that inflationary pressures are gathering steam. The World Health Organization approved a COVID-19 vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech for emergency use listing, paving the way for a second Chinese shot to be used in poor countries.