Wall Street fears Trump's tariffs will wipe out 2024's stock market gains

Key Points

  • Stocks sank on Friday due to fears of an escalating trade war following President Trump's tariffs.
  • The S&P 500 (^GSPC) experienced its worst week since March 2020, dropping nearly 6%.
  • China retaliated with matching tariffs, exacerbating market losses.
  • The Dow Jones (^DJI) was on pace to close in correction territory, down nearly 5.5%.
  • Strategists are now less optimistic about a quick market recovery, with some revising their year-end targets lower.

Summary

Stocks plummeted on Friday as the market reacted to President Trump's aggressive tariff policies, which have escalated into a full-blown trade war with China. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) saw a significant drop of nearly 6%, marking its worst week since March 2020, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was poised to enter correction territory with a decline of nearly 5.5%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) also fell by 5.8%, officially entering bear market territory. The market turmoil was triggered by China's announcement of retaliatory tariffs matching those imposed by the U.S., leading to a $2.5 trillion market wipeout. Wall Street strategists, including those from Morgan Stanley and RBC Capital Markets, have expressed concerns over the potential for a prolonged economic downturn if the trade tensions continue without resolution. President Trump's unwavering stance on tariffs, as communicated through his social media, suggests that the trade war might intensify, with potential repercussions for global economic stability.

yahoo
April 5, 2025
Stocks
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