empty
18.03.2025 01:11 PM
Stock market overview on March 18: S&P 500 and Nasdaq rise for second day

US stock indices closed with solid gains yesterday. The S&P 500 rose by 0.64%, while the Nasdaq 100 added 0.31%.

Asian stocks are also up for the third day, driven by gains in Japan and Hong Kong. Investors continue shifting toward non-US assets due to uncertainty caused by Donald Trump's policies. Hong Kong's indices gained about 2%, supported by a record surge in BYD Co. shares. The company unveiled a new EV charging system yesterday, which triggered stock purchases. Meanwhile, Japan's indices rose by over 1% after Berkshire Hathaway Inc. increased its stakes in the country's largest companies, reinforcing expectations of long-term growth.

This image is no longer relevant

During today's Asian session, US index futures corrected slightly, while European markets moved higher. Investors are exploring alternatives after the US stock market plunged earlier this month. Chinese and Japanese stocks have emerged as key buying opportunities. China's focus on stimulating domestic consumption should make its economy less vulnerable to Trump's tariff policies, further fueling demand for riskier assets. Positive rhetoric from Beijing is supporting Asian markets, and increased investments from figures like Warren Buffett could attract more major players.

Gold surged to a new all-time high, exceeding $3,017 per ounce. Meanwhile, the yield on 10-year US Treasury bonds dipped below 4.29% as the Federal Reserve begins its two-day policy meeting today.

Japan's stock market also gained ahead of the Bank of Japan's upcoming decision. The central bank is expected to keep interest rates at 0.5%, which could temporarily weaken the yen against the US dollar.

In Europe, German lawmakers will vote today on a bill that could unlock hundreds of billions of euros for defense and infrastructure spending. If passed, the euro may strengthen further, signaling a broader shift in Europe toward easing fiscal controls.

As for macroeconomic data, US retail sales rose less than expected yesterday, with the previous reading revised downward. However, the so-called control group sales, which factor into GDP calculations, grew by 1% last month.

As for commodities, oil prices are rising for the third straight day as escalating tensions in the Middle East overshadow concerns about potential global oversupply.

This image is no longer relevant

Technical outlook for the S&P 500

The decline in the S&P 500 continues. Buyers' main objective today is to break through the nearest resistance at $5,670, which could pave the way for higher growth and, push the asset toward $5,692. A key aim for bulls is also maintaining control over $5,715, which would strengthen their position.

If demand for risk weakens, buyers must defend the $5,645 area. A breakout below this level could quickly push the index down to $5,617, opening the door for a further drop to $5,586.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaTrade
© 2007-2025

Recommended Stories

Stock market on August 14: S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new all-time highs

At the end of yesterday's session, US stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 gained 0.32%, while the Nasdaq 100 rose by 0.14%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.04%

Jakub Novak 08:54 2025-08-14 UTC+2

Stock market on August 13: S&P 500 and Nasdaq rally on inflation data

By the end of yesterday's session, US stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 rose by 1.13%, while the Nasdaq 100 jumped by 1.39%. The industrial Dow Jones gained 1.10%

Jakub Novak 09:26 2025-08-13 UTC+2

Stock market on August 12: S&P 500 and Nasdaq edge lower

US stock indices ended yesterday's session with losses. The S&P 500 fell by 0.25%, while the Nasdaq 100 slipped by 0.30%. The industrial Dow Jones dropped by 0.45%. However

Jakub Novak 09:29 2025-08-12 UTC+2

Stock market on August 11: S&P 500 and NASDAQ return to growth

Last Friday, US stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 gained 0.78%, while the Nasdaq 100 added 0.97%. The industrial Dow Jones rose by 0.47%. Today, US and European stock

Jakub Novak 08:12 2025-08-11 UTC+2

Stock market on August 8: S&P 500 and Nasdaq see minor correction

As of yesterday's close, US stock indices finished mixed. The S&P 500 fell by 0.08%, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.35%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.51%. European

Jakub Novak 10:15 2025-08-08 UTC+2

US market on track for all-time highs. Focus on trade wars

US stock markets continue to climb. The euphoria of recent days is driven by several factors at once: strong corporate earnings, impressive news from Apple, and increasingly realistic expectations

Anna Zotova 15:10 2025-08-07 UTC+2

Stock market on August 7: SP500 and NASDAQ resume their rally

At the end of the previous trading day, US stock indices closed in the green. The S&P 500 rose by 0.73%, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 1.21%. The Dow Jones

Jakub Novak 09:03 2025-08-07 UTC+2

Stock market on August 6: S&P 500 and NASDAQ remain volatile

By the end of yesterday's session, US stock indices closed lower. The S&P 500 dropped by 0.49%, while the Nasdaq 100 lost 0.45%. The industrial Dow Jones slipped by 0.14%

Jakub Novak 09:36 2025-08-06 UTC+2

Stock Market on August 5: S&P 500 and NASDAQ recover some ground

At the close of trading on August 5, US stock indices regained part of Friday's losses. The S&P 500 rose by 1.47%, while the Nasdaq 100 added 1.95%

Jakub Novak 13:07 2025-08-05 UTC+2

US markets: key drivers, looming risks, and fresh incentive for Musk

US indices are once again charging toward record highs. After a tense week, when the market stumbled over trade wars and a weak labor market, the momentum is shifting back

Anna Zotova 13:07 2025-08-05 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaTrade anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.