"Major benchmarks" refer to the most important or significant standards or measures that are commonly used to assess or evaluate something. Full definition
In fact, it usually prompts some annual soul - searching... Because I'm almost inevitably doomed to under - perform a couple of major benchmark markets each year. (wexboy.wordpress.com)
In fact, looking back at history can offer some valuable insights as to how certain major benchmarks have behaved leading up to critical turning points. (traderhq.com)
Most major benchmarks finished relatively close to unchanged on the day, but that's still noteworthy given the rapid advance that stocks have posted over the past several weeks. (fool.com)