NEW YORK, New York – U.S. stocks were largely range-bound Wednesday after the Federal Reserve decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent at its monthly FOMC meeting.

“In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective,” an FOMC statement issued after the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday said.

Investors Wednesday were also on edge over threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to involve the United States in Israel’s controversial war on Iran. Tech stocks edged higher while broader indices saw modest declines. 

U.S. Stock Markets

The S&P 500 (^GSPC) dipped 1.85 points, or 0.03 percent, closing at 5,980.87, as investors weighed fresh economic data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) retreated 44.14 points, or 0.10 percent, settling at 42,171.66, dragged down by losses in industrial and financial sectors.

In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) bucked the trend, climbing 25.18 points, or 0.13 percent, to 19,546.27, supported by strength in major tech stocks. Trading volumes were robust, with the Nasdaq seeing 6.874 billion shares exchanged.

Global Forex Markets Show Mixed Movements on Wednesday

The foreign exchange market saw a divided performance on Wednesday, with the U.S. dollar gaining against some major currencies while retreating against others amid shifting economic sentiment.

Euro and Pound Slip Against the U.S. Dollar

The Euro (EUR/USD) edged lower, falling 0.11 percent to 1.1466, as traders weighed recent European Central Bank comments on inflation. Meanwhile, the British Pound (GBP/USD) declined 0.16 percent to 1.3405, pressured by uncertainty over the UK’s economic outlook.

U.S. Dollar Mixed Against Safe Havens and Commodity Currencies

The U.S. Dollar (USD/JPY) dipped slightly against the Japanese Yen, losing 0.05 percent to 145.17, desp[ite higher oil prices. However, the Greenback (USD/CHF) strengthened 0.41 percent against the Swiss Franc, reaching 0.8196, as risk appetite improved.

In commodity-linked currencies, the Australian Dollar (AUD/USD) rose 0.42 percent to 0.6502, supported by stronger commodity prices. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD/USD) also gained, climbing 0.18 percent to 0.6022. The Canadian Dollar (USD/CAD) weakened slightly, with the pair rising 0.13 percent to 1.3692 as oil prices fluctuated.

Global Markets Show Mixed Performance on Wednesday

Global stock markets delivered a mixed performance on Wednesday, with some indices posting gains while others retreated amid varying economic signals. The Nikkei 225 outperformed most Asian peers, nearing the 39,000 mark amid renewed optimism in Japanese exports, while the Hang Seng’s slump reflected lingering concerns over China’s property sector.

Canadian Market

North of the U.S. border, the S&P/TSX Composite (^GSPTSE) edged up 18.46 points, or 0.07 percent, to 26,559.85, as gains in energy and materials sectors offset weakness elsewhere. Trading activity totaled 244.196 million shares.

Europe

The FTSE 100 (^FTSE) in London inched higher, Wednesday closing at 8,843.47, up 9.44 points or 0.11 percent.

Meanwhile, Germany’s DAX (^GDAXI) declined by 116.84 points, or 0.50 percent, to 23,317.81. France’s CAC 40 (^FCHI) slipped 27.61 points, or 0.36 percent, settling at 7,656.12. The broader EURO STOXX 50 (^STOXX50E) fell 21.77 points, or 0.41 percent, to 5,266.91. Belgium’s BEL 20 (^BFX) also dipped, losing 12.58 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 4,425.99.

Asia and Pacific

In Asia on Wednesday, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index (^HSI) saw a sharp decline, dropping 269.61 points, or 1.12 percent, to 23,710.69.

In China the Shanghai Composite (000001.SS) saw a marginal increase, rising 1.40 points, or 0.04 percent, to 3,388.81.

Singapore’s STI Index (^STI) edged down 9.83 points, or 0.25 percent, to 3,920.81.

In Australia Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 (^AXJO) slipped 10.10 points, or 0.12 percent, to 8,531.20, while the All Ordinaries (^AORD) fell 13.20 points, or 0.15 percent, to 8,757.90.

India’s S&P BSE SENSEX (^BSESN) dipped 138.64 points, or 0.17 percent, to 81,444.66, while in Indonesia the IDX Composite (^JKSE) lost 48.06 points, or 0.67 percent, closing at 7,107.79.

Malaysia’s KLSE (^KLSE) was nearly flat Wednesday, gaining just 0.31 points, or 0.02 percent, to 1,511.95.

In New Zealand the NZX 50 (^NZ50) declined 11.98 points, or 0.09 percent, to 12,627.32.

South Korea’s KOSPI (^KS11) rose 21.89 points, or 0.74 percent, to 2,972.19, and in Taiwan the TWSE (^TWII) climbed 145.14 points, or 0.65 percent, to 22,356.73. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (^N225) jumped 348.41 points, or 0.90 percent, to 38,885.15.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s TA-125 (^TA125.TA) surged 37.99 points, or 1.36 percent, Wednesday to 2,840.41, as U.S. President Donald Trump weighed up joining the Jewish state’s fight against Iran.

In Egypt, theEGX 30 (^CASE30) gained 113.00 points, or 0.37 percent, to 30,839.00.

South Africa’s JSE Top 40 (^JN0U.JO) added 10.23 points, or 0.20 percent, closing at 5,231.24.

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