Nasdaq gains as Dow drops over 1.6% in volatile session

Nasdaq registers gains while the Dow Jones Industrial Average posts a steep decline as major US equity indices close mixed.

Major US stock market indices finished the session mixed on September 18, 2026, highlighted by divergent performances among technology shares and industrial components. While the Nasdaq Composite managed to push higher into positive territory, the Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered a pronounced retreat, pulling down broader sentiment across cyclical sectors.

Mixed performance across major indices

Trading activity saw the benchmark S&P 500 slip marginally by 0.08 percent, ending the day at 7,650.50 after trading within a daily range of 7,610.52 and 7,657.17. Meanwhile, the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite outperformed its peers, rising 0.72 percent to close at 26,522.55.

In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced significant downward pressure, tumbling 1.69 percent, or 890.65 points, to settle at 51,682.64. Small-cap stocks also faced selling pressure, with the Russell 2000 index dropping 1.50 percent to 2,860.40.

Treasury yields and volatility gauges

Fixed-income markets saw the US 10-Year Treasury yield rise by 0.75 percent to touch the key 5.00 percent threshold, moving up from the previous close of 4.96 percent. Despite the notable losses in the Dow and Russell indices, market volatility measured by the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell sharply by 13.39 percent to close at 14.81.

What this means for investors

Divergent index movements during sessions where technology outperforms cyclicals typically highlight sector rotation within portfolios. When growth-oriented indices like the Nasdaq hold ground while industrial-heavy measures like the Dow correct sharply, market participants often reassess risk exposure across different asset classes.

Higher benchmark yields, such as the US 10-Year Treasury touching 5.00 percent, can influence borrowing costs and equity valuations globally. Indian investors tracking global trends often monitor US yield movements and sector shifts, as foreign institutional flows and sentiment in domestic markets can sometimes reflect broader international risk appetite.

Frequently asked questions

How did the major US indices perform at the close? The S&P 500 fell 0.08%, the Dow Jones dropped 1.69%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.72%.

Where did the US 10-Year Treasury yield finish? The benchmark 10-year yield rose to 5.00% compared to its previous close of 4.96%.

This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Do your own research or consult a licensed adviser before investing.

Based on information published by MoneyPuran market data. Source: MoneyPuran market data. Spotted an error? corrections@moneypuran.com