Wall Street played it cool on Monday, August 18, 2025—but don’t be fooled. Beneath the flat closing numbers lies massive tension that could explode later this week as the Fed, retail earnings, and surprise stock movers take center stage.
Indexes Barely Moved—But Don’t Relax Yet
The big three stayed nearly unchanged, but that silence is deceptive:
- S&P 500: -0.65 points to 6,449.15 (flat).
- Dow Jones: -34.30 points to 44,911.82 (-0.1%).
- Nasdaq Composite: +6.80 points to 21,629.77 (+0.1%).
- Russell 2000: +7 points to 2,294.47 (+0.3%).
Markets are hovering near record highs while investors wait for the week’s big catalysts.
Hidden Fireworks: Stock Movers You Missed
While the indexes looked sleepy, some stocks went absolutely wild:
- Laser Photonics (LASE): 🚀 +71.9%
- Color Star Tech (ADD) & Graphjet Tech (GTI): 🔥 +40% each
- Plymouth Industrial REIT (PLYM): 📈 +32%
And in premarket action, Novo Nordisk (NVO) jumped after the FDA approved its blockbuster Wegovy drug for MASH treatment, targeting millions of Americans with liver fibrosis.
Why the Market is Stalling: The Big Events Ahead
This pause isn’t random—it’s strategic. Here’s what traders are bracing for:
Fed Chair Powell’s Speech
Friday’s upcoming speech could signal interest rate cuts. Even a hint from Powell could jolt markets into wild swings.
Retail Giants Report Earnings
Retail heavyweights like Walmart will reveal how American consumers are coping with sluggish jobs, higher tariffs, and inflationary pressures. Expect big headlines.
2025 Performance Snapshot
Despite today’s calm, Wall Street has been on a tear this year:
- S&P 500: +9.6% YTD
- Dow Jones: +5.6% YTD
- Nasdaq: +12% YTD
- Russell 2000: +2.9% YTD
That’s why analysts are warning: don’t mistake today’s flat line for weakness—markets are simply holding breath before the storm.
Bottom Line: Brace Yourself for Volatility
Today’s calm trading session is the quiet before the storm. With the Fed and major retailers about to drop market-shaking news, expect turbulence, sharp swings, and potential record-breaking moves later this week.