The major US stock indices closed mixed on the 18th, with the S&P 500 index showing little change, dropping by 0.03%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 44 points, or about 0.1%, while the Nasdaq index rose by 0.1%. Focus remains on the Fed's interest rate decisions and international situations.

The Federal Reserve decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 4.3%, marking the fourth consecutive time it has remained unchanged since December 2024. Decision-makers will closely observe price changes and the impact of tariffs on inflation. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to implement high tariffs on trade partners, but these have not yet significantly impacted prices.

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, market sentiments are affected, and investors are closely watching US responses to the situation. The Fed has also released its latest economic forecast, predicting that the US GDP will be revised down from 1.7% to 1.4% for 2025.

At the close of the US market, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a slight decline, technology stocks performed well. Stocks of Nvidia and Tesla saw minor increases, while TSMC ADR slipped slightly, closing at $213.50.