17.04.2025

Market Update: Impact of US Trade Policy and Fed Statements on Stock Markets

The after-hours trading results on Wednesday show significant pressure on the markets, caused by negative cues from the US exchanges.
The prices fell by about 0.9%, which is particularly significant for investors. This development could have a considerable impact on
market psychology and the next trading decisions.

Background and Causes

  • US Trade Policy: The US government under President Donald Trump has further escalated the trade war, leading to
    significant uncertainties in the markets. The imposition of high tariffs on imports from Switzerland and the EU has strongly
    affected the markets. Additionally, the US government has tightened restrictions on the export of AI chips to China, which particularly burdens Nvidia
    and AMD.
  • Statements by Jerome Powell: The head of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, has warned of the challenges the
    central bank faces in balancing inflation control and labor market support, especially in the context of the trade war.
    These statements have increased nervousness in the markets.
  • Technology Stocks: The Nasdaq Composite, which heavily relies on technology stocks, has significantly lost value. Nvidia,
    a leading provider of AI chips, anticipates significant losses of up to 5.5 billion USD due to export restrictions to China.

Impact on the Markets

  • Stock Exchanges: The US exchanges have fluctuated significantly in recent days. The Dow Jones Index fell by 1.7%, the S&P 500 by 2.2%
    and the Nasdaq Composite by 3.1%. The DAX in Europe has slightly recovered after initial losses but remains volatile.
  • Foreign Exchange Market: The US dollar has lost value, leading to a flight from the dollar. The dollar index has dropped by
    0.8%.
  • Gold and Oil: Gold has benefited as a safe haven and has risen to a new record high. Oil prices have also
    increased, supported by hopes for a rapprochement between China and the US.

Outlook

The uncertainty in the markets remains high as political developments continue to be unpredictable. Investors are cautious
and react sensitively to any changes in trade policy. The next trading week could still be shaped by the reactions to
US tariff policy and negotiations between the US and China.