From the Finance category

by Amanda Ireland in Finance

CNBC host and market commentator Jim Cramer issued a stark warning: America could face another "Black Monday" market crash, echoing the devastating 1987 collapse, if President Trump doesn't revise his tariff strategy. Cramer pointed to the 22.6% single-day Dow Jones Industrial Average plunge in 1987 as a potential precedent, given the recent two-day sell-off following Trump's sweeping tariffs on nearly 90 countries. He stated that if Trump doesn't compromise and reward countries and companies that abide by the rules, a similar scenario could unfold, potentially culminating in a significant market drop by Monday. The recent tariffs triggered a brutal two-day sell-off, resulting in a 3,910-point Dow plunge—the worst since the pandemic—and a total market loss of $6.6 trillion. Experts like Apollo chief economist Torsten Slok even warned of a potential recession if the tariffs persist. Despite these warnings, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed the administration's commitment to its current course, downplaying recession fears and emphasizing long-term economic goals. Cramer, initially supportive of Trump's tariffs, indicated he would withdraw his support if Monday brings a negative market outcome, and would become furious if Europe retaliates against American tech companies.


by Albert Inestein in Finance

Gold prices surged to a record high of $3,005 an ounce on Friday, fueled by investors seeking safe haven assets amid concerns about President Trump's tariffs and the ongoing geopolitical instability. The price briefly touched $3,000 before settling slightly lower. Experts attributed the surge to the "extreme uncertainty" surrounding global trade due to the Trump administration's policies and retaliatory measures from other countries. The rising gold price reflects broader investor concerns about the US economic outlook, with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers citing a lack of confidence in the country's leadership. The imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, along with Trump's threat of a 200% tariff on EU alcoholic beverages, further exacerbated the situation. This uncertainty is paralyzing businesses and fueling fears of a global economic slowdown. The war in Ukraine also significantly contributed to the rise in gold prices, with Russia's rejection of a US-proposed ceasefire adding to geopolitical instability. The conflict has driven a 60% increase in gold prices since the 2022 invasion, partly due to central banks increasing their gold reserves to mitigate risks associated with foreign reserves. A weakening dollar also boosted gold's appeal to international buyers.


by Aaron Irving in Finance

US stocks experienced a volatile week, with Friday's surge failing to offset earlier losses. President Trump's trade war created market jitters, leading to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq's fourth consecutive week in the red—their worst losing streak in seven months. The Dow ended the week down roughly 3.1%, its worst week since March 2023. Despite Friday's rally, the S&P 500 closed in correction territory, down over 10% from its recent high. The market rebound followed Thursday's steep decline and was partly fueled by the likely passage of a government funding plan, avoiding a shutdown. Experts attribute the market's struggles to uncertainty surrounding tariffs, fiscal spending cuts, and potentially softening economic data. Consumer sentiment also fell 11%, reaching its lowest level since November 2022. Tech stocks like Nvidia and Palantir, and Tesla, rebounded on Friday. Gold soared to a record high, exceeding $3,000 a troy ounce, as investors sought safe havens amid economic uncertainty. This surge reflects concerns about America's economic outlook and geopolitical instability, including Russia's war in Ukraine. Gold's price increase is also driven by investor demand and central banks increasing their gold reserves. Gold's performance far outpaces the S&P 500's decline.


by Adam Israel in Finance

US markets experienced a dramatic seesaw on Tuesday, driven by President Trump's renewed threat of hefty tariffs on Canada. All three major indexes initially dropped sharply, with the Dow falling over 700 points at one point. However, losses were partially recouped in the afternoon following announcements of US-Canada talks to de-escalate trade tensions and renegotiate trade policy. The Dow ultimately closed down 478 points (1.14%), the S&P 500 fell 0.76%, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.18%. The S&P 500 neared correction territory, closing down 9.3% from its February high, while the Nasdaq, already in correction territory, closed 13.6% below its December high. Despite the market decline, President Trump expressed no concern, emphasizing the need to rebuild the country. Market analysts attributed the volatility to uncertainty surrounding the administration's trade policy. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) fell after an earlier surge, reflecting some easing of investor anxiety. The decline continues a recent market rout, raising concerns about the potential for a prolonged downturn. White House officials described the market fluctuations as a "snapshot of a moment in time" and expressed confidence in the President's economic policies. Airline stocks were among the hardest hit, following a decline in Delta's earnings forecast. Ford also experienced significant losses. The uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariff policies fueled "extreme fear" among investors, according to CNN's Fear and Greed Index, and the anxiety spread globally, impacting European markets.


by Alice Ibarra in Finance

US markets plummeted for a second day on Tuesday after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose hefty tariffs on Canadian electricity and steel and aluminum imports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 720 points (1.72%), the S&P 500 fell 1.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.2%. This followed Monday's steep losses, with the Dow plunging 890 points and the S&P 500 shedding 2.7%. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), a measure of market fear, surged, reaching its highest level since December. Market analysts expressed deep concern over the administration's unpredictable trade policies, stating that the uncertainty makes it impossible for investors to have confidence. The selloff extended a broader market rout, raising concerns about a potential recession. Trump's comments on the possibility of a recession further fueled investor anxiety. Airlines and Ford were among the stocks hit hardest. The negative sentiment spread globally, with European markets also experiencing significant declines.


by Alan Iverson in Finance

Wall Street experienced a significant downturn as investors responded to President Trump's comments, where he refused to rule out a recession. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 900 points (2.1%), the S&P 500 fell 2.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 4%. Trump acknowledged potential 'disruption' but remained optimistic about long-term economic growth. Economists expressed growing concerns about slowing labor markets, tariff uncertainty, and negative first-quarter growth indicators. Tesla's stock plummeted 15%, impacting the broader market. Experts advised long-term investors to remain calm amidst the volatility. Major tech stocks, including Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, and Meta, also suffered significant losses. The bond market showed caution, with the 10-year US Treasury yield falling. Analysts at major banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, increased their recession probability estimates for the year, while Morgan Stanley lowered growth projections. Despite the market turmoil, Trump downplayed Wall Street's significance, emphasizing his focus on building a strong country. The market volatility extended to European and Asian markets.


by Adam Israel in Finance

Wall Street is in turmoil, with sell-offs triggered by the mention of tariffs. While tariffs are a concern, the article argues that the broader context of Trump's economic plan—tax cuts, deregulation, and reduced government involvement—is more significant. The current economic situation is likened to a junkie withdrawing from government spending, causing short-term pain but potentially leading to long-term gains. The author suggests ignoring the market's short-term volatility and focusing on the long-term positive effects of the economic plan. The article draws parallels to the Reagan era, highlighting that initial market uncertainty eventually gave way to economic prosperity. The conclusion emphasizes the need to focus on the bigger picture and avoid knee-jerk reactions to market fluctuations.


by Amy Ivanov in Finance

European and Asian shares tumbled Tuesday following the implementation of new tariffs by President Donald Trump. China responded to the 20% tariff increase on its goods with higher duties (up to 15%) on US farm exports. Germany's DAX fell 1.8%, France's CAC 40 dropped 1.1%, and Britain's FTSE 100 lost 0.4%. In Asia, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 decreased by 1.2%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.4%, while South Korea's Kospi and Taiwan's Taiex also experienced losses. Although the S&P 500 futures saw a slight increase, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained unchanged, Monday saw significant losses for both, along with the Nasdaq. Trump's statement that there's 'no room left' for negotiations further dampened investor sentiment. The Chinese tariffs on US farm products expanded the conflict's impact, with experts predicting a decline in US agricultural exports to China. The overall market reaction reflects investor disappointment and growing pessimism about the global economic outlook, particularly concerning inflation and manufacturing activity. Several high-flying tech stocks, including Nvidia and Tesla, suffered steep declines. Crude oil prices also fell, and the US dollar weakened against the Japanese yen and the euro. Bitcoin also experienced a significant drop.