Major US stock indices closed lower on December 18, 2025, amid ongoing inflation concerns and rising Treasury yields. The S&P 500 fell by 1.16%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.81%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.47%. These declines were driven by underperformance in the tech and consumer discretionary sectors. In the crypto markets, activity was mixed as investors reacted to the broader economic pressures. The regulatory focus on Countering the Financing of Terrorism continues to influence global market dynamics, adding to the cautious sentiment among traders.