Live US Stock Market Updates: Stocks Fall as Tariff Threats and Shutdown Fears Rise
Live US stock market updates as stocks drop amid Trump’s tariff threats and government shutdown risks. Inflation data shapes Fed rate cut expectations.
The US stock market took a hit on Thursday as rising concerns over President Trump’s latest tariff threats and a possible government shutdown weighed on investors. The S&P 500 slipped by 0.3%, the Nasdaq dropped 0.4%, and the Dow Jones dipped 0.2%, as Wall Street reacted to a mix of political and economic uncertainty.
Stocks had rallied on Wednesday after a cooler-than-expected inflation report eased fears of aggressive interest rate hikes. However, the optimism was short-lived as Trump ramped up his trade war by threatening a 200% tariff on European wines and spirits. This was in response to new tariffs the European Union and Canada are planning to impose on US exports, including steel and aluminum. The escalating trade conflict has left investors on edge, fearing the impact on global trade and corporate earnings.
Adding to the market’s nervousness is the looming threat of a US government shutdown. Senate Democrats have vowed to block a Republican-backed spending bill, raising the chances of a funding lapse that could disrupt government operations. Investors are closely watching how this political standoff unfolds, as a shutdown could hurt economic growth and business confidence.
On the economic front, a new report on wholesale inflation showed that prices remained flat in February, going against expectations of a 0.3% increase. On an annual basis, producer prices rose 3.2%, slightly below the forecast of 3.3%. This signals that inflationary pressures might be easing, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s decision on future interest rate cuts. Traders are now looking ahead to next week’s Fed meeting to see if policymakers will adjust their stance on rates.
Also Read: U.S. Stock Market Update: 5 Key Things to Know Before Trading Starts Today
With uncertainty swirling around trade policies, government funding, and inflation, investors are treading cautiously. While some relief came from the inflation data, ongoing tensions between the US and its trade partners could keep markets volatile in the days ahead. The Federal Reserve’s next move and developments in Washington will be key factors shaping market sentiment.
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Key Moments
- US stocks drop on tariff threats and shutdown fears.
- S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow fall amid market uncertainty.
- Cooling inflation fuels Fed rate cut speculation.
- Investors cautious, watching trade and politics.
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13 Mar 2025 12:22 PM
Gold Hits New Record as Analysts Predict Prices Could Reach $3,500Gold prices soared to new all-time highs on Thursday, driven by economic uncertainty, ongoing trade tensions, and signs of easing inflation. As investors seek safer assets, analysts are now forecasting even bigger gains, with some predicting gold could climb to $3,500 per ounce later this year.
Futures for gold (GC=F) surged past $2,984 per ounce, extending their strong performance in 2025. According to Macquarie Group's commodities strategist Marcus Garvey, gold has outperformed expectations. "We now see prices averaging $3,150 per ounce in the third quarter, with a potential peak at $3,500," he stated.
BNP Paribas analysts have also raised their targets, expecting gold to surpass $3,100 per ounce in the second quarter. Analyst David Wilson pointed to rising geopolitical tensions and uncertain trade policies as key factors boosting gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.
With market volatility persisting, investors are watching closely to see if gold continues its record-breaking rally in the months ahead.
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13 Mar 2025 12:20 PM
S&P 500 Pullbacks Are Normal, Despite Market Uncertainty
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) has dropped about 5% this year, with investors reacting to trade policy concerns and economic uncertainty. However, market experts point out that declines in the 5%-10% range happen regularly and are not a cause for panic.
Jeff Buchbinder, chief equity strategist at LPL Financial, explains that the S&P 500 typically experiences three pullbacks of this size every year. "Since 1928, the index has seen at least one 5% drop in 94% of years," he said in a note to clients. His advice? Stay patient, keep investing, and don’t overreact to short-term swings.
Market corrections of over 10% are also common, usually occurring at least once a year, even when the economy is strong. Since there were no major corrections in 2024, some pullback was expected. Despite short-term dips, the S&P 500 has delivered an average annual return of 13% since 1980, proving that long-term investing remains a winning strategy.
Buchbinder expects the S&P 500 to climb back to 6,275-6,375 by the end of the year, aligning with other Wall Street predictions.
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13 Mar 2025 12:18 PM
Stocks Plunge as Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Hit Session Lows
The stock market took a sharp hit on Thursday, with major indexes sliding deeper into negative territory by midday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI), S&P 500 (^GSPC), and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) all hit session lows as investors reacted to renewed concerns about economic uncertainty, inflation, and trade tensions.
The S&P 500 fell over 1%, nearing correction territory, while the Nasdaq lost 1.5%, reversing its recent gains. The Dow also dropped more than 1%, reflecting heightened caution across Wall Street. Tech stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, but declines spread across nearly all 11 sectors of the S&P 500, signaling broad-based weakness.
Investors are weighing the impact of ongoing tariff threats, mixed economic data, and a possible Federal Reserve shift on interest rates. Volatility remains elevated, with market sentiment fluctuating as traders seek clarity on the economic outlook.
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13 Mar 2025 10:43 AM
Tesla Stock Drops 3% as Selling Pressure Continues
Tesla (TSLA) shares slid more than 3% on Thursday, reversing some of the gains from the previous session as market volatility persisted.
Over the past month, Tesla’s stock has tumbled more than 30%, pressured by declining vehicle sales and growing backlash over CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement. Investor concerns have intensified, leading to a sharp sell-off.
The stock has now erased all gains made after the last election and continues to move further away from its record high reached in December.
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13 Mar 2025 10:21 AM
Gold Prices Climb Toward Record Highs as Demand Grows
Gold prices are surging once again, edging closer to their all-time high set in February. Spot gold has climbed 0.4% to approximately $2,943 per ounce, nearing the record peak of $2,956. In India, gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) hit a new high of ₹86,875 per 10 grams, reflecting strong demand.
The latest rally is fueled by ongoing trade tensions, uncertainty over tariffs, and expectations of interest rate cuts by central banks. Analysts suggest that gold could reach the $3,000 mark in the coming months as investors seek safe-haven assets amid economic instability. Central bank purchases and a weaker dollar are also contributing to the bullish momentum.
Gold has long been viewed as a reliable store of value during periods of market volatility, and its recent gains indicate growing investor concerns about the global economic outlook.
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13 Mar 2025 10:15 AM
Stocks Decline at Market Open, Erasing Some Gains
Stocks opened lower on Thursday, giving back some of Wednesday’s gains as investors remained cautious about economic conditions.
The S&P 500 dropped 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 85 points (0.2%). The Nasdaq Compositealso slid 0.4%, reflecting pressure on tech stocks.
Market sentiment remains uncertain, with investors closely watching economic data and policy developments that could impact future growth.
