U.S. stock futures were down early Tuesday as investors awaited clarity on President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariff policies, which are scheduled to take effect on April 2. Futures on the Nasdaq 100 (NDX), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the S&P 500 (SPX) were down 0.16%, 0.28%, and 0.23%, respectively, at 4:19 a.m. EST, April 1.
Monday’s trading session saw the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones close in positive territory, up 0.55% and 1%, respectively. However, the Nasdaq Composite (NDAQ) slipped 0.14%.
The first quarter of 2025 was marked by market volatility due to uncertainty about Trump’s tariff policies. President Trump’s recent statements about reciprocal tariffs on all countries have further raised investor concerns. Traders are worried about a potential global trade war, which can disrupt supply chains and slow down economic growth.
Overall, the major indices saw losses in Q1, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq down 4.6% and 10%, respectively. The Nasdaq’s large decline represents its worst quarterly performance since 2022. Also, the Dow is down 1.3%.
In key economic releases, March’s Manufacturing data, as well as February’s Job Openings and Construction Spending reports, will be closely watched by traders.
Meanwhile, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield was down, floating near 4.184%. Simultaneously, WTI crude oil futures are trending lower, hovering near $71.23 per barrel as of the last check.
Elsewhere, European indices opened higher today as investors braced for the impact of upcoming U.S. trade tariffs. Also, traders await the preliminary inflation data for the Eurozone.
Asia-Pacific Markets Ended Higher on Tuesday
Asia-Pacific indices were in the green today, driven by positive data from China. A private survey revealed that factory activity in the region grew at its fastest pace in four months. This follows Monday’s official data, which showed the manufacturing sector expanding at its quickest rate in a year.
At the same time, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was up 0.38%. Also, Japan’s Topix and Nikkei indices ended higher by 0.11% and 0.02%, respectively. Further, China’s Shanghai Composite index gained 0.38%, while the Shenzhen Component index declined 0.01%.
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