[Seoul = Newsis] On the afternoon of the 17th (Korean time), major indices of the New York Stock Exchange are heading toward a uniformly higher close.

As of this afternoon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded 52,238.44, up 238.77 points (0.46%) from the previous trading day. The large-cap-focused S&P 500 index rose 10.79 points (0.14%) to 7,522.14, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite also gained 37.18 points (0.14%) to reach 26,413.53. The small- and mid-cap-oriented Russell 2000 index climbed 25.74 points (0.88%) to 2,964.93, showing a relatively stronger upward trend.

Investors are closely watching the outcome of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy meeting and future interest rate outlook, while expanding their buying focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology stocks.

Market analysts suggest that expectations for energy price stabilization due to easing tensions between the United States and Iran, along with projections for expanded AI infrastructure investment, are supporting investor sentiment. In particular, semiconductor and data center-related stocks are drawing attention, with some tech shares leading the index gains.

However, investors remain on high alert regarding the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for today and the future interest rate path. While the market sees a high probability of the benchmark rate being held steady, there are also predictions that the Fed's comments on the future direction of monetary policy could increase stock market volatility.

Recently, the New York Stock Exchange has been trading near all-time highs based on expectations for expanded AI investment and solid corporate earnings, though concerns over overvaluation and interest rate uncertainty are still cited as major variables.

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