empty
 
 
18.09.2025 11:53 AM
Stock Market on September 18: S&P 500 and Nasdaq regain losses amid Fed' decision

US stock indices closed mixed at the end of yesterday's session. The S&P 500 fell by 0.10%, while the Nasdaq 100 declined by 0.43%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, gained 0.57%.

This image is no longer relevant

Futures on US and European stock indices are rising, indicating a recovery in confidence following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates. Although questions regarding the pace of future policy easing remain unresolved. The S&P 500 futures advanced by 0.4%, and the Nasdaq 100 futures climbed by 0.6%, after the underlying indices edged lower post-Fed announcement. Treasury bonds partially recovered their losses, and the dollar strengthened for a second consecutive day. Fed Chair Jerome Powell characterized the rate cut as a risk management exercise.

The Fed's decision caused a mixed reaction in markets. On one hand, the rate cut is viewed as a signal of support for the economy, particularly amid slowing global growth. On the other hand, investors are concerned that further monetary easing could fuel inflation and other undesirable consequences.

After months of intense pressure from the White House to lower borrowing costs, the Fed reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point and projected two additional cuts this year. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 11–1 to lower the target range for the federal funds rate to 4–4.25%.

This week, the global equity index reached a record high as investors priced in a 25-basis-point rate cut ahead of the Fed meeting. Although the central bank proceeded with the cut, officials emphasized that future policy decisions would be meeting-dependent and cautioned that there is no risk-free path. Nevertheless, policymakers now anticipate two additional quarter-point rate cuts this year, one more than projected in June.

During his press conference, Powell pointed to growing signs of labor market softness to explain why officials deemed it appropriate to cut rates after holding them steady since December due to concerns over tariff-driven inflation. Powell also pushed back against bond traders' expectations that the Fed would embark on an aggressive series of rate cuts to prevent a US economic slowdown. The Fed Chair made it clear that he has not abandoned his cautious approach, continuing to weigh inflation risks.

This image is no longer relevant

From a technical standpoint, the key objective for the S&P500 buyers today will be to break above the nearest resistance level of $6,630. A successful breach would signal upward momentum and open a path toward testing the $6,638 level. Another priority for bulls will be to establish control above $6,648, which would strengthen their position. In the event of a downward move driven by a decline in risk appetite, buyers must assert themselves near the $6,616 level. A breakdown below this support could quickly push trading back toward $6,603, exposing a move down to $6,590.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Summary
Urgency
Analytic
Pavel Vlasov
Start trade
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $3000 more!
    In September we raffle $3000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 100% Bonus
    Your unique opportunity to get a 100% bonus on your deposit
    GET BONUS
  • 55% Bonus
    Apply for a 55% bonus on your every deposit
    GET BONUS
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS

Recommended Stories

Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback