Dow, S&P Gain as Nasdaq Struggles Amid Trade Worries
The S&P 500 rose 0.5% on Monday, while the Dow climbed 417 points, kicking off the week on a positive note.
However, the Nasdaq 100 lagged, falling 0.2% as investors navigated economic growth concerns and escalating trade tensions. Market jitters intensified after Trump signaled broader tariffs, including a 25% levy on all non-U.S.-made cars starting April 2.
Defensive stocks outperformed, with Coca-Cola and Walmart gaining 1.8% and 3.1%, respectively, while tech stocks faced selling pressure—Nvidia and Microsoft dropped 1.2% and 0.9%. Automakers saw mixed moves, as Tesla slid 1.7%, while GM and Ford rose 0.7% and 3.1%.
The S&P 500 lost 6.3% in March, its steepest monthly decline since September 2022, when it fell 9.3%. The Nasdaq has lost 8% this month, while the Dow fell 5%.
For the quarter, the S&P 500 lost 5%, snapping a five-quarter winning streak, while the Nasdaq plunged 10.9%, its sharpest quarterly drop since Q2 2022. The Dow declined 1.6% year-to-date.
Source: Trading Economics
