Shares of industrial and transportation companies rose amid deal activity, and as investors rotated into the sector from higher growth areas such as technology.

Gains eased late in the session, but a pattern of migration into value sectors like industGeneral Electric shares rallied after the industrial conglomerate agreed to sell its aircraft-leasing business with Ireland's AerCap Holdings for more than $30 billion.

Shares of AerCap also rose sharply, suggesting investors viewed the deal as a shrewd one.

German industrial production fell by 2.5% in January, missing forecasts for an increase, according to statistics office Destatis.

Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-08-21 1700ET