On the afternoon of the 18th (Korean time), major indices in the U.S. New York stock market are showing an across-the-board upward trend. Following the U.S. Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to hold its benchmark interest rate, the market has partially digested monetary policy uncertainty, drawing inflows of buying centered on tech and small- to mid-cap stocks.

As of the afternoon (Korean time) today, the fluctuations of major indices are as follows:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 51,892.55, up 400.00 points (0.78%) from the previous trading day • S&P 500 Index: 7,486.28, up 66.18 points (0.89%) • Nasdaq Composite Index: 26,288.55, surging 266.89 points (1.03%) (a relatively strong upward trend) • Russell 2000 Index: 2,964.40, up 46.42 points (1.59%)

The market is reassessing the future path of monetary policy following the Fed's decision to hold interest rates the previous day. While the Fed is maintaining a cautious stance by monitoring price and employment indicators, investors are interpreted to be placing more weight on the possibility of future rate cuts rather than concerns about additional tightening.

In particular, bargain hunting is said to have flowed into large-cap tech and artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks, which recently showed weakness, driving the Nasdaq index higher. In addition, the stabilization of Treasury yields and the recovery of risk appetite are providing a favorable environment for the stock market.

However, the market is paying attention to the fact that upcoming U.S. economic indicators and comments from Fed officials could induce additional volatility. Investors are expected to adjust their future interest rate outlooks by confirming the pace of inflation slowdown and labor market trends.

[This article was partially generated with the assistance of AI. This article was written with the help of AI based on market analysis data and public information, and is not intended to solicit investment. The responsibility for investment lies with the investor.]