The markets are in turmoil once again, following a significant rally in the S&P 500 the day before, triggered by President Trump's decision to delay tariffs for 90 days. However, the White House announced that total tariffs on China would now reach 145%, contrary to Trump's earlier claim of 125% on social media.
The unexpected tariff increase led to a sharp decline in stock prices. The S&P 500 fell by 6%, the Nasdaq Composite by 7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average by more than 5%, with all three indexes partially recovering later in the day.
The fluctuation in the markets underscores the uncertainty surrounding Trump's economic policies. While the temporary tariff delay provided some relief to investors, concerns persist about the long-term impact. The potential for an economic slowdown due to tariff uncertainty continues to loom, with economists speculating on the possibility of a recession in the near future.
Market analysts remain cautious, emphasizing the ongoing uncertainty and the hesitance of businesses and consumers to make decisions amid the current economic climate. The outlook for publicly traded companies remains uncertain, with upcoming financial reports expected to offer little clarity on the situation.