Global Markets End a Volatile Week With Cautious Gains in U.S. Stocks

U.S. stocks ended a volatile week with a mixed performance on 18 September 2026. Reuters reported that the S&P 500 gained 0.17% to 7,650.50, the Nasdaq rose 0.40% to 26,522.55, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 95.40 points, or 0.18%, to 51,682.64.

Inflation and rates remain in focus

Treasury yields moved above 5% during the session, while crude oil remained above $100 a barrel, according to the report. Those levels kept inflation and interest-rate expectations central to the market narrative.

On 16 September, the Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to raise the federal-funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00% and said inflation remained elevated. On 18 September, the Bank of Japan decided by a 7–2 vote to guide its uncollateralized overnight call rate to around 1.25%.

Timing note: 20 September 2026 was a Sunday, so the 18 September close is the latest verified trading-session information used here. This article is descriptive and is not investment advice.