What are today's top business/market headlines?
I'll fetch today's top business and market headlines for you.Here are more details from leading sources to compile the top headlines.Today’s top business and market headlines (September 18, 2026) center on a major corporate succession, central bank actions, volatile markets amid inflation and geopolitical pressures, and tech/AI resilience.[1]
Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway Chairman
Legendary investor Warren Buffett, 96, has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (effective immediately), becoming Chairman Emeritus while remaining on the board. His son Howard Buffett succeeds him as chairman; Greg Abel continues as CEO (a role he assumed earlier in 2026). Buffett wrote to shareholders: “Father Time always wins.” The $1+ trillion conglomerate’s shares were little changed. This completes a long-planned succession.[2][3]
Markets Close Mixed After Volatile Week; Fed Hike Digested
U.S. stocks ended a tumultuous week on a muted note. On Friday:
The Federal Reserve raised rates 25 bps on Wednesday (first hike since 2023, to 3.75–4%), with markets pricing higher odds of another hike in October. The 10-year Treasury yield topped/hit ~5%. Tech and AI/semiconductor stocks led a Thursday rebound (biggest one-day gains in weeks for S&P and Nasdaq) and supported Friday’s Nasdaq strength. Oil stayed elevated above $100/barrel (WTI near or briefly under $100 after slipping; Brent ~$103+) amid Middle East tensions (Iran-related, Saudi-Houthi issues), fueling inflation worries, though prices eased somewhat on supply hopes.[1][2]
Bank of Japan Hikes Rates to 31-Year High
The BoJ raised its policy rate by 25 bps to 1.25% (fastest pace in its current cycle and highest in 31 years) to combat persistent inflation and a weak yen, joining a global tightening wave.[1][6]
Other Notable Headlines
Markets remain sensitive to oil/geopolitics, the Fed’s path, and AI developments. Data and sentiment can shift quickly—check live sources for the latest quotes and updates.
Citations (9)
- https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/20260918315/dow-jones-top-markets-headlines-at-1-am-et-investors-come-back-to-ai-stocks-snapping-market-out-of-inflation-gloom-japans
Backs: “I'll fetch today's top business and market headlines for you.Here are more details from leading sources to compile the top headlines.Today’s top business and market headlines (September 18, 2026) center on a”
- https://www.investopedia.com/stock-market-today-dow-jones-s-and-p-500-09182026-12127251
Backs: “Buffett wrote to shareholders: “Father Time always wins.” The $1+ trillion conglomerate’s shares were little changed. This completes a long-planned succession.”
- https://apnews.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-buffett-70f52159fdcaedae3f8926893de37023
Backs: ““Father Time always wins.” The $1+ trillion conglomerate’s shares were little changed. Th”
- https://www.marketscreener.com/news/s-p-500-nasdaq-advance-turning-the-page-on-a-tumultuous-week-ce785adadf88f526
Backs: “Dow Jones fell ~0.18% (to around 51,683; down ~1.7% for the week, third straight weekly loss). S&P 500 rose ~0.17% (to ~7,650.50; slight weekly loss). Nasdaq Composite gained ~0.39–0.40% (to ~26,523; up for the week).”
- https://www.reuters.com/business/nasdaq-futures-lead-wall-st-gains-oil-retreat-eases-inflation-worries-2026-09-18/
Backs: “Nasdaq Composite gained ~0.39–0.40% (to ~26,523; up f”
- https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/live/stock-market-today-friday-september-18-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-080504071.html
Backs: “The BoJ raised its policy rate by 25 bps to 1.25% (fastest pace in its current cycle and highest in 31 years) to combat persistent inflation and a weak yen, joining a global tightening wave.”
- https://stockanalysis.com/market-bullets/2026-09-18/
Backs: “Crypto strength: Bitcoin rose (reclaiming ~$80k+ levels); Coinbase, Robinhood, and related names surged (some double-digit % gains). SEC developments on tokenized stocks provided a tailwind in some reports, even as a crypto bill (Clarity Act) faced setbacks.”
- https://www.fool.com/coverage/stock-market-today/2026/09/18/stock-market-midday-sept-18-stocks-slip-crypto-gains/
Backs: “Coinbase, Robinhood, and related names surged (some double-digit % gains). SEC developments on tokenized stocks provided a tai”
- https://www.theguardian.com/us/business
Backs: “Broader context: Rising prices/inflation ahead of midterms; private equity pressures from higher rates; focus on an upcoming Trump-Xi meeting; Amazon raising starting pay; various company-specific moves (e.g., Xenon Pharma plunging on trial pause).”