Wall Street Indexes Attempt to Rebound Overlooking Brewing Multiple Crises

Barry Adams
18 Jun, 2025
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to move higher despite multiple brewing uncertainties on the horizon. 

The S&P 500 index increased 0.2%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.3%, and the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes held steady near 4.4%. 

Stock market indexes wavered around the flatline as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's rate decisions at 2:00 p.m. ET, and investors are awaiting the Fed's rate and economic growth outlook. 

Benchmark indexes are approaching record highs despite worries of a fiscal cliff, U.S. global tariffs and U.S. budget uncertainties, and the protracted Israeli war on Iran that could disrupt energy supplies.

Investors are overlooking macroeconomic headwinds and the ongoing difficulties faced by millions of small businesses amid inconsistent and chaotic U.S. international trade policy.

 

Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields

The S&P 500 index increased 0.2% to 5,995.02, the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.3% to 19,572.99, and the Russell 2000 index advanced 0.05% to 2,103.07.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 3.95%, 10-year Treasury notes decreased to 4.37%, and 30-year Treasury bonds declined to 4.87%.

WTI crude oil increased $0.40 to $75.23 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.12 to $3.97 a thermal unit.

Gold increased by $3.68 to $3,391.30 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.06 to $37.07.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.15 to 98.67 and traded at the lowest level since April 2022.

 

U.S. Stock Movers 

Korn Ferry jumped 10.4% to $73.70, and the executive and professional recruitment company reported better-than-expected earnings in the latest quarter. 

The Los Angeles-based company reported fiscal fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.32 on revenue of $712 million. 

Energy complex companies advanced for the sixth session in a row after Israel attacked Iran's nuclear and energy infrastructure. 

Exxon Mobil Corp. increased 0.3% to $114.33, Chevron Corp. jumped 0.3% to $149.35, and ConocoPhillips gained 0.5% to $96.0.