Wall Street ended the week on a downbeat note as concerns over inflation and trade tariffs triggered a sharp selloff on Friday.
\ud83d\udcc9 Dow Jones Industrial Average: -444 points (-0.99%)
\ud83d\udcc9 S&P 500: -0.95% (6,026)
\ud83d\udcc9 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.
\u2705 President Donald Trump announced new "reciprocal tariffs" aimed at leveling trade imbalances.
\u2705 The move stoked fears of broader trade barriers, raising concerns about higher costs for businesses.
\u2705 Investors had already been on edge after Trump imposed 10% tariffs on China earlier in the week.
\u2705 The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 67.8, below expectations.
\u2705 One-year inflation expectations surged to 4.3%, the highest since late 2023.
\u2705 Treasury yields spiked above 4.5%, signaling market worries about sticky inflation.
\u2705 Strong jobs data added to inflation fears, showing unemployment at 4% and higher wage growth.
\u2705 Monday: Stocks tumbled after Trump’s China tariffs announcement.
\u2705 Midweek: Markets rebounded for three days as he paused 25% levies on Canada and Mexico.
\u2705 Friday: Stocks plunged again as new tariff plans reignited trade fears.
\ud83d\udccc Wednesday: CPI Inflation Report – Core CPI is expected to rise 0.3% (MoM), up from 0.2% in December.
\ud83d\udccc Powell’s Speech: The Fed Chair will offer monetary policy insights, crucial for interest rate outlook.
\ud83d\udccc Retail Sales & Manufacturing Data: Investors will gauge consumer and business activity.
\ud83d\udccc Inflation Data API – Stay ahead with CPI, PCE, and macroeconomic releases.
\ud83d\udccc Market Active Stocks API – Monitor high-volume stock movements in real time.
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.
