Today, August 18, 2025, major stock markets are trading close to their all- time highs but are showing only modest movements:

• U.S. Markets: The S&P 500 index is mostly flat, hovering near a recent record high (last week’s high was 6,481), with slight downward movement in early trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is also roughly flat, and the Nasdaq Composite is up by 0.1% as of mid-morning. Market sentiment is cautious ahead of a major speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week, as well as several key retail earnings reports due out soon. Investors are watching for signals on interest rate policy and economic direction, especially given recent inflation data and ongoing uncertainty around tariffs. Despite today’s muted action, the three major U.S. indexes recorded gains for the second consecutive week last week.

• International Markets: Asian stocks rose, led by optimism around geopolitical events and possible tax reforms in India, while European stock futures posted modest gains. The Indian Sensex jumped 676 points (0.8%) and Nifty advanced 246 points (1%), driven by optimism over upcoming GST tax reforms.

• Key Sectors and Stocks: In India, auto, consumer durables, and realty stocks outperformed. In the U.S., investors are watching big tech and defensive sectors closely, while small caps have outperformed recently on hopes for rate cuts later this year.

Overall, today’s stock market is steady, trading near all-time highs in many regions but moving cautiously ahead of important economic updates and central bank commentary later in the week.