U.S. stocks were mixed on Friday as markets digested President Trump’s latest tariff threats and their implications for global trade. The S&P 500 (GSPC) slipped 0.2%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) managed to edge up slightly, rising by 0.02%. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) took a more significant hit, falling by 0.6%, losing more than 250 points in the early session.
The broad market is grappling with President Trump’s announcement of a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, although investor sentiment remains cautious. This latest tariff escalation has caused some volatility in the markets, with specific sectors reacting differently to the news.
Market Movers:
- Netflix (NFLX): Shares fell by 5.5% this month, continuing a decline despite the broader market rally. The streaming giant has struggled to maintain its momentum, with its stock down 0.72% today. This drop contrasts with the stellar performances of other Big Tech companies like Meta (META) and Nvidia (NVDA), which have continued to thrive in recent months.
- Silver (SI=F): Silver futures saw a significant increase, rising by 4.69% to touch $39 per ounce. The precious metal has been gaining over the past few months, up more than 33% year-to-date, driven by market uncertainty and rising inflation concerns, further bolstered by President Trump’s tariff threats.
- AMC (AMC): AMC jumped 9.5% after Wedbush upgraded the stock to Outperform from Neutral. The upgrade was driven by the expected recovery in the movie theater sector, following improved box office results in Q2 and the company's recent restructuring efforts.
- Oil Prices (Brent Crude BZ=F & WTI CL=F):: Oil prices saw an upward surge, with Brent crude rising 2.52% and WTI gaining 1.6%, as traders reacted to President Trump's threats and Saudi Arabia's decision to increase crude output. This development is supporting energy stocks, which are benefiting from higher commodity prices.
Tariff Threats Weigh on Investor Sentiment
The key market influencer today is President Trump’s renewed trade threats, particularly the 35% tariff on imports from Canada. Late Thursday, Trump posted on social media that Canadian goods would face this hefty tariff starting in August, although the White House has since indicated that some goods would be exempt from the new duties. While this has sent a ripple through markets, the impact appears more muted than anticipated, as investors have grown accustomed to trade-related uncertainties.
The broader concern in the market is the potential for escalating tariffs, with Trump also hinting at imposing blanket tariffs of 15% to 20% on most trading partners. This could further strain relations with major global players like the European Union and India, adding to the overall market uncertainty. However, many investors are taking these threats in stride, with some analysts cautioning that markets may be underestimating the impact of these tariff hikes.
Rising Commodities Amid Economic Uncertainty
In the wake of Trump’s trade threats, commodities like silver have seen a significant rise. Silver futures are up over 3%, reaching their highest level since 2011. This surge comes as investors flock to precious metals in search of safe-haven assets amid heightened trade tensions and concerns over global economic stability. Oil prices have also seen a jump, buoyed by expectations of a tightening supply and Trump’s increasing pressure on global trade partners, particularly Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to hike oil production.
This shift toward commodities suggests that investors are hedging against potential risks in the global economy, including trade disruptions and inflationary pressures. The energy sector has been the only one seeing positive gains today, benefiting from rising oil prices.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, investors will remain focused on trade developments and how they will impact global markets. With Trump’s tariff policies set to take effect on August 1, all eyes will be on the outcomes of negotiations with Canada, the European Union, and other major trading partners. The potential for escalating trade tensions could weigh on market sentiment, especially if Trump proceeds with more blanket tariffs.
Additionally, investors will be watching closely for any hints from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate changes, as the economy adjusts to new trade policies and inflationary pressures. While the likelihood of immediate rate cuts seems low, the Fed's response to ongoing economic conditions will play a critical role in shaping market expectations in the months ahead.