US Stock Markets Hit Six-Month Low Amid Tariff Fears

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The US stock markets fell to a six-month low on Monday, March 31, as Wall Street opened lower in response to concerns surrounding new tariffs that the Trump administration plans to impose on April 2. Investors anxiously awaited further details about the looming tariffs, which have caused uncertainty in the markets.

At 9:30 a.m. EDT, the US benchmark indices opened lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 0.68 percent, falling to 41,293.25 points, compared to 41,583.90 points at the previous market close on Friday. Early market trends showed the Dow was still trading lower, down 0.20 percent at 41,510.63 points.

The S&P 500 index also saw a significant dip, dropping to its six-month low. It traded 0.94 percent lower at 5,527.19 points, following an opening loss of 1.01 percent at 5,524.77 points. This marked a significant decline from its previous close of 5,580.94 points.

Similarly, the Nasdaq Composite plunged 1.58 percent, standing at 17,039.68 points after the market opened, compared to 17,322.99 points at Friday’s close. The decline in these major indices reflected widespread investor concerns about the potential economic impact of new tariffs.

US President Donald Trump is set to announce new tariffs on April 2, calling the day “Liberation Day” when he plans to launch reciprocal tariffs aimed at rebalancing global trade and strengthening US manufacturing. However, the White House has yet to provide specifics on the rates or the countries that may be affected by these new tariffs.

The tariffs are expected to build on existing levies on aluminum, steel, and auto imports, and may include new measures targeting pharmaceuticals, lumber, semiconductors, and copper. Investors are left uncertain about the broader implications, particularly regarding which nations may be exempt from the upcoming tariffs.

As investors continue to monitor developments, market volatility is expected to remain high, with many awaiting President Trump’s announcement on April 2 to gauge the future direction of global trade and its economic consequences.