Markets Decline as Tariff Uncertainty Clouds Investor Sentiment

Stocks dipped into red territory this afternoon, with the Dow reducing a triple-digit gain to close 155 points lower. The S&P 500 also fell, while the Nasdaq showed minimal movement. Uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies weighs heavily on traders, particularly after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that exemptions for smartphones, chips, and computers might be temporary.

Investor focus turned to earnings season, with the banking sector reporting positive results. Reports from Boeing (BA) and Netflix (NFLX) are anticipated later this week. Today’s trading session was uneven and characterized by low volume; nonetheless, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) recorded its third consecutive decline.

Continue reading for more insights on today’s market movements:

• Defense Stock checking crucial trendline ahead of earnings.
• Monitor these 3 discount retailers.
• Additionally, BA faces grounding issues; unpacking bank earnings; analyzing the impact of tariffs on the ‘Broligarchs.’

5 Key Updates for Today

1. President Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status after the university refused to adjust its governance structure. (Wall Street Journal)
2. CEO Mark Zuckerberg considered the possibility of separating Instagram from Meta Platforms (META) in 2018, according to an email revealed during his second day of testimony in the ongoing Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust trial. (CNBC)
3. China’s halt on deliveries is putting pressure on Boeing stock.
4. Two bank stocks rose following positive quarterly results.
5. Questions loom over whether the Broligarchs can survive a tariff-driven storm.

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Gold Prices Rise Amid Weaker Dollar

Oil prices experienced a decline on Monday, influenced by the International Energy Agency (IEA) aligning with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) in lowering its demand forecast. However, tariffs helped temper these losses. May-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 21 cents, or 0.3%, close at $64.67 per barrel.

A weaker U.S. dollar combined with increased safe-haven demand pushed gold prices higher. In the latest session, June-dated gold was up 0.6% at $3,245 an ounce.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nasdaq, Inc.