U.S. Markets Approach Correction as Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Weigh on Stocks
The S&P 500 has dropped over 9% from its peak, with volatility surging and fears of a recession rising due to President Trump's tariff policies.
- The S&P 500 has fallen more than 9% from its February peak, nearing the 10% threshold for a market correction, with the Dow Jones and other indices also declining significantly.
- President Trump's tariff increases, including a recent doubling of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, have heightened economic uncertainty and disrupted market confidence.
- Volatility indicators such as the VIX have surged, with the index up over 80% since Trump's second term began, signaling heightened market fear and instability.
- Technical analysts warn of concerning signals, including the S&P 500 closing below its 200-day moving average for the first time since 2023, a potential indicator of prolonged market weakness.
- Economists and analysts point to rising recession risks, with some advising diversification into safer assets, while others suggest potential buying opportunities in undervalued equities.