U.S. Stock Market Recap - September 18, 2025

Wall Street rallied on Thursday after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time this year, fueling hopes of further easing. Tech stocks led the charge, with semiconductors powering the Nasdaq to new highs.

 Major Index Performance Dow Jones Industrial Average: +0.40% → 46,228.85 S&P 500: +0.60% → 6,629.10 Nasdaq Composite: +1.10% → 22,506.97 Russell 2000: +0.45%

 Growth and tech dominated, while defensive sectors lagged.

Federal Reserve Decision

• Fed cut rates by 25 bps to 4.00%–4.25%, its first move of 2025.

• Powell signaled “flexibility,” leaving room for more cuts this year.

• Markets now price in two additional cuts before year-end.

Stock & Sector Highlights Winners

• Intel (INTC): +20% after Nvidia announced a $5B investment and strategic partnership.

• Nvidia (NVDA): +4%, fueling a semiconductor rally.

• Micron (MU), Lam Research (LRCX), Applied Materials (AMAT): all gained 4–6%.

Losers

• AMD (AMD): −3%, bucking the chip rally.

• Energy stocks: slipped as oil prices weakened.

Sectors

• Technology & Financials led gains.

• Energy & Staples underperformed.

  
  

Other Markets 10-Year Treasury Yield: ~4.10%, little changed U.S. Dollar: flat after Fed cut Gold: edged higher as yields eased Oil: slipped on supply concerns

Outlook The Fed’s move confirmed its shift toward easing, sending risk assets higher. Investors now turn to upcoming inflation and jobs data to gauge the pace of future cuts.

Key Takeaway: The Fed delivered its first cut of 2025, sparking a tech-led rally that pushed the Nasdaq and S&P 500 toward fresh highs.

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