US equities were mostly lower on Wednesday as evidence of higher inflation added to concerns that soaring energy prices could result in stagflation. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 were 0.4% lower, while the Dow lost 0.8%. Both headline and core producer inflation rates were sharply above expectations in February, reflecting cost traction before the energy shock in the Persian Gulf triggered a surge in energy prices this month. Pro-inflationary concerns are expected to be reflected in economic projections by FOMC members to be released today together with an expected rate hold by the Federal Reserve. Most sectors were broadly lower as Treasury yields rose and pressed the credit outlook for corporations. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Oracle were over 0.5% lower, while P&G dropped 1.5% to set the pace for the consumer defensive sector. In the meantime, Micron was nearly 1% higher ahead of its earnings release after the bell.
The main stock market index of United States, the US500, fell to 6682 points on March 18, 2026, losing 0.50% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 2.62%, though it remains 17.74% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United States. Historically, the United States Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 7002.58 in January of 2026. United States Stock Market Index - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on March 18 of 2026.
The main stock market index of United States, the US500, fell to 6682 points on March 18, 2026, losing 0.50% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 2.62%, though it remains 17.74% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United States. The United States Stock Market Index is expected to trade at 6594.36 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 5866.84 in 12 months time.