Market chaos: $4 trillion in stocks lost due to tariffs – CSN News

The introduction of tariffs, as announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, has caused investors to go into a tailspin, resulting in losses of an incredible $4 trillion (€3.6 trillion) in market value.

This is compared with the peak of the S&P 500 just under a month ago when Wall Street appeared to be full of optimism about Trump and his policy agenda.  In contrast, new policies such as tariffs have destabilised the market.  Investors, consumers and businesses have lost confidence. Stock prices have fallen in virtually every sector.

Tariffs on the stock market: What impact?

However, and somewhat surprisingly, President Trump appeared unphased by this development and one might even say ‘bullish’ in his response at a recent press conference.  He stated: “The stock market is going boom, and the country will boom.” He also said that his economic policies are “going very well.”

Some high-profile firms would argue that these tariffs have caused significant declines in their businesses.  Those most hurt so far are within the tech industry, and this includes those giants that are sometimes referred to as the ‘Magnificent Seven’.  Apple, Amazon and Meta are all examples of companies that saw their share prices drop 9%.  Nvidia’s shares fell 8% and Tesla’s 5%, while Alphabet’s Alphabet stock dropped 4%. Microsoft was not spared either, as its shares fell by 2%.

What is the cause of the stock market’s decline?

Retailers were also badly hit. Shares of Best Buy Target Dollar Tree and Dollar Tree fell 11% or even more.  Nike’s stock price also dropped by over 10% due to its heavy reliance on China and Vietnam as a manufacturing hub.  This is thought to be a direct effect of recent tariff measures affecting these two countries.

Financial services also felt the impact of a turbulent Thursday. American Express reported a loss of 10% and Bank of America a loss of 11 %, respectively. Wall Street experienced its worst ever day since the COVID Crash.

There is just one word on everyone’s lips right now: ‘recession’ and whether or not the US is hurtling towards one, or worst still the entire world.

Over to you – Do you believe President Trump’s tariff measures are a step too far?