U.S. stock futures traded close to flat on Wednesday after a volatile session that saw the S&P 500 close below 5,000 for the first time in nearly a year. Markets continue to digest the escalating tariff war initiated by President Donald Trump, which now includes sweeping 104% duties on Chinese imports.
With investor anxiety mounting, attention shifts to corporate earnings and the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, which may offer clues about future monetary policy amid growing recession fears.
As of early Wednesday trading:
Dow futures were down 74 points (-0.2%)
S&P 500 futures dropped 11 points (-0.2%)
Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 18 points (-0.1%)
Tuesday saw a brief rally at the open on hopes the administration might negotiate exemptions. However, sentiment quickly reversed after White House officials reiterated plans to slap an additional 50% tariff on China, intensifying economic tensions.
Trump’s sweeping tariff policy, effective Wednesday, marks one of the most aggressive trade actions in modern history:
Total U.S. duties on China now stand at 104%.
Trump also suggested these tariffs could be permanent unless favorable trade deals are reached.
Despite steep market losses — the S&P 500 has shed $5.83 trillion since April 2 — Trump insists the tariffs are a “necessary correction.”
Notably, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed there are no short-term plans to roll back or soften these measures.
Investor focus now turns to corporate earnings as companies begin revealing how tariffs may be impacting business:
Delta Air Lines (NYSE
AL) is expected to offer guidance on travel demand amid economic volatility. It has already issued a Q1 warning.
Constellation Brands (NYSE
TZ) reports after the bell. As a consumer-facing brand, its performance may reflect shifts in consumer sentiment and spending.
Analysts warn of weakening demand trends, particularly in nonessential spending categories.
The Federal Reserve’s March meeting minutes are set for release Wednesday. However, the relevance of the report may be diluted by recent policy shocks, particularly from the executive branch.
Key areas to watch:
Quantitative tightening slowdown signals
Interest rate trajectory: still expected to fall by 50 basis points by year-end 2025
Fed’s take on rising inflation projections
Investors are eager to assess whether the Fed will adapt to the increased risk of recession stemming from trade policy disruptions.
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With Trump’s tariffs now fully enacted and major equity indexes teetering near bear market territory, U.S. investors are bracing for further volatility. The coming corporate earnings cycle and Fed commentary may provide critical signals on whether markets can stabilize — or if deeper economic concerns will take root.
\ud83d\udcc9 Are Trump’s tariffs a necessary reset or a recession trigger? Let’s hear your take.
