Wall Street ended the week on a downbeat note as concerns over inflation and trade tariffs triggered a sharp selloff on Friday.
? Dow Jones Industrial Average: -444 points (-0.99%)? S&P 500: -0.95% (6,026)? Nasdaq Composite: -1.36% (19,523)
All three major indices posted weekly losses, marking a volatile trading period driven by tariff uncertainty and economic data.
Key Market Drivers
? Trump’s Tariff Escalation Pressures Stocks
? President Donald Trump announced new “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at leveling trade imbalances.? The move stoked fears of broader trade barriers, raising concerns about higher costs for businesses.? Investors had already been on edge after Trump imposed 10% tariffs on China earlier in the week.
? Inflation Concerns & Treasury Yields Surge
? The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 67.8, below expectations.? One-year inflation expectations surged to 4.3%, the highest since late 2023.? Treasury yields spiked above 4.5%, signaling market worries about sticky inflation.? Strong jobs data added to inflation fears, showing unemployment at 4% and higher wage growth.
? Market Volatility: A Rollercoaster Week
? Monday: Stocks tumbled after Trump’s China tariffs announcement.? Midweek: Markets rebounded for three days as he paused 25% levies on Canada and Mexico.? Friday: Stocks plunged again as new tariff plans reignited trade fears.
? What’s Next: A Crucial Week for Markets
? Wednesday: CPI Inflation Report – Core CPI is expected to rise 0.3% (MoM), up from 0.2% in December.? Powell’s Speech: The Fed Chair will offer monetary policy insights, crucial for interest rate outlook.? Retail Sales & Manufacturing Data: Investors will gauge consumer and business activity.
? Track Market Trends With:
? Inflation Data API – Stay ahead with CPI, PCE, and macroeconomic releases.? Market Active Stocks API – Monitor high-volume stock movements in real time.
Final Thoughts
With inflation data, Powell’s testimony, and retail sales on deck, volatility is expected to continue. Markets will look for signs of easing price pressures and whether the Fed will adjust its policy stance.
