Stock market rout deepens as Dow plunges more than 2,200 points and Nasdaq enters bear market
On April 6, 2025, financial markets landed with a thud as stocks tumbled for a second straight day on concerns about the economic fallout from new U.S. tariffs and the prospects of a global trade war. President Trump's announcement of steep tariffs on Wednesday shocked investors and sent economists scurrying to revise downward their forecasts for U.S. economic growth. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell also warned that the levies — which include a 10% universal duty on all U.S. imports and "reciprocal" tariffs on nearly 90 countries — are likely to dent the economy. "While uncertainty remains elevated, it is now becoming clear that the tariff increases will be significantly larger than expected," Powell said in a speech Friday in Arlington, Virginia. "The same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth." The S&P 500 fell 322 points, or nearly 6%, to close at 5,074 — the largest one-day slump in the broad-based index since March 16, 2020, when it lost 12%. Today's plunge erased $2.7 trillion in market value from the index. The decline wipes out more than a year of stock market gains, taking the S&P 500 back to its levels in February 2024. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 2,231 points, or 5.5%, and is down 14% since peaking in February. The Nasdaq Composite slid 963 points, or 5.8%. That means the tech-heavy index is now in a bear market, or when stocks drop at least 20% from their most recent high. Tech stocks have flailed this week because of concerns that American tariffs on China — along with countermeasures from Beijing — will hurt the high-tech sector, which has been key to driving corporate profits.
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US stocks wobble after feeling both the upside and downside of a strong jobs report
On February 11, 2026, U.S. stocks experienced mixed performance following a stronger-than-expected jobs report. The S&P 500 briefly approached record levels before ending slightly down by less than 0.1%, while the Dow Jones shed 66 points and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%. The Labor Department reported 130,000 new jobs in the previous month, defying expectations and easing concerns from recent weak consumer spending data. The positive job growth boosted sectors like energy and materials, with Exxon Mobil and Smurfit Westrock posting notable gains. However, the robust labor market also dampened expectations for imminent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, leading to higher Treasury yields. The 10-year yield slightly climbed to 4.17%, while the 2-year yield, closely tied to Fed policy, rose more significantly. Market participants now anticipate rate reductions to be delayed, awaiting inflation data due Friday. Other notable market moves included an 8.8% drop in Robinhood due to lower-than-expected revenue, despite strong profits, and declines in Moderna stock after the FDA rejected its new flu vaccine application. Kraft Heinz rose 0.4% after announcing a business strategy shift and a $600 million growth investment. European and Asian markets were mixed to positive.
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US stocks drift to a mixed finish as yields fall after a discouraging report on US shoppers
On February 10, 2026, U.S. stock markets had a mixed performance amid hopes for potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1% to a new high, and the Nasdaq fell 0.6%. Treasury yields dropped following a disappointing retail sales report, which showed consumer spending in December remained flat, raising concerns about the strength of household spending, a key driver of the economy. This weak economic data increased expectations among traders for multiple Fed rate cuts in 2026. On the corporate front, Hasbro shares jumped 7.5% after surpassing earnings expectations, while Coca-Cola fell 1.5% due to underwhelming quarterly revenue and forecasts. S&P Global declined nearly 10% over disappointing profit forecasts and AI-related competition fears. DuPont and Warner Bros. Discovery also saw shares rise on strong earnings and acquisition interest from Paramount, respectively. International markets showed mixed outcomes, though Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 2.3% following political developments favoring economic reforms. Upcoming U.S. reports on unemployment and inflation are expected to further influence future Fed rate decisions.
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