Ukraine asks for security guarantees for a ceasefire agreement

US equity markets ended the day yesterday, 18^th August, 2025, on a flat note. This, as President Trump held talks with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and a number of other European leaders on ceasefire in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Reportedly, President Zelensky wanted security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky said that these were the best talks held till now. President Trump has said that he will now get a trilateral dialogue between Ukraine, Russia and US done to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Nasdaq ended the day, up by 6.80 points or 0.031%. Dow Jones ended the day, down by 34.30 points or 0.076%. S&P 500 ended the day, down by 0.65 points or 0.010%. Homebuilder sentiment in US unexpectedly came down to its lowest level in the past 3 years, in August.

Germany says America needs to lower import duties on European cars, for a trade deal

Euro Stoxx 50 ended the day yesterday, down by 13.97 points or 0.26%. Dax ended the day, down by 44.53 points or 0.18%. FTSE 100 ended the day, up by 18.84 points or 0.21%. Germany has said that America will have to reduce import duties on European cars if a trade deal is to be reached between European Union and United States.

Asian markets start the day, mostly in red

Nikkei 225 has started the day, today, in red. At 9:00 a.m. August 19^th, it is down by 61.99 points or 0.14%. Hang Seng is down by 7.66 points or 0.030%. Shanghai composite is up by 13.37 points or 0.36%. Kospi index is down by 13.86 points or 0.44%.

Indian equity markets may see some profit booking today after the gains of yesterday.

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Source: Dow Jones