U.S. stock markets showed a mixed trend during trading on the 17th (Korean time). Buying interest flowed into defensive stocks and some value stocks, lifting the Dow Jones Industrial Average, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices recorded losses.

Major index movements during the session were as follows.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 331.91 points (0.64%) from the previous session at 52,002.94
• S&P 500 Index: Down 42.73 points (0.57%) at 7,511.56
• Nasdaq Composite Index: Down 307.60 points (1.15%) at 26,376.34
• Russell 2000 Index: Down 21.94 points (0.74%) at 2,943.15

The market attributes the weakness in technology stocks to profit-taking, centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor-related names that had recently posted significant gains. Meanwhile, bargain hunting in cyclical sectors such as financials and industrials is analyzed to have driven the Dow's gains.

Investors are keeping a close watch on the Federal Reserve's (Fed) future monetary policy direction and upcoming major economic data releases. With market interest rate expectations and corporate earnings outlooks at odds, a divergence trend across indices has persisted. On this day, sector-level fund flows showed a clear divide, widening the gap in index movements. There are also forecasts that the difference in investor sentiment between tech-led growth stocks and traditional industrial stocks could amplify market volatility in the near term.

[※ This article was written with AI assistance and is not intended to solicit investment. Investment decisions and responsibilities rest solely with the investor.]