2025-03-31 20:03:03The S&P 500 rose 0.5% on Monday, while the Dow climbed 417 points, kicking off the week on a positive note. However, the Nasdaq 100 lagged, falling 0.2% as investors navigated economic growth concerns and escalating trade tensions. Market jitters intensified after Trump signaled broader tariffs, including a 25% levy on all non-U.S.-made cars starting April 2. Defensive stocks outperformed, with Coca-Cola and Walmart gaining 1.8% and 3.1%, respectively, while tech stocks faced selling pressure—Nvidia and Microsoft dropped 1.2% and 0.9%. Automakers saw mixed moves, as Tesla slid 1.7%, while GM and Ford rose 0.7% and 3.1%. The S&P 500 fell 5.8% in March, its worst monthly drop since December 2022, while the Nasdaq lost 8.2% and the Dow declined 4.2%. For the quarter, the S&P 500 slid 4.6%, ending a five-quarter win streak. The Nasdaq dropped 10.4%, its steepest quarterly decline since Q2 2022, while the Dow fell 1.3% in Q1 2025.
2025-03-31 18:40:04US stocks were mixed in the afternoon session as investors remained on edge, grappling with deepening economic growth concerns amid escalating trade tensions. The S&P 500 pared earlier losses, to trade 0.2% higher, while the Dow climbed over 300 points and the Nasdaq 100 lagged, dropping 0.4%. Uncertainty surrounding trade policy weighed on sentiment after Trump signaled broader tariffs than previously expected, including a 25% levy on all non-U.S.-made cars set to take effect on April 2. Market jitters drove traders toward defensive assets, like Coca-Cola and Walmart, which gained over 2% each. Tech stocks bore the brunt of selling pressure, with Nvidia and Microsoft sliding 2.5% and 1.6%, respectively. Automakers saw mixed performance—Tesla dropped 2.3% amid concerns over higher input costs, while General Motors and Ford climbed 0.7% and 2.9%, respectively, as some investors viewed them as potential beneficiaries of the new tariffs.