Wall Street closed mixed on Tuesday, continuing to sway on tariff concerns. Investor mood was grim on President Trump expanding the global trade war to imported copper, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Oil prices hit a 2-week high. One of the three benchmark indexes closed in the red while the other two remained virtually unchanged.
How Did the Benchmarks Perform?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) fell 0.4%, or 165.60 points, to close at 44,240.76. Eighteen components of the 30-stock index ended in negative territory, while 12 ended in positive.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 5.95 points, remaining virtually unchanged to close at 20,418.46.
The S&P 500 slid 4.46 points, remaining virtually unchanged to close at 6,225.52. Seven of the 11 broad sectors of the benchmark index closed in the red. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU), the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) and the Financials Select Sector SPDR (XLF) declined 1%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively, while the Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) added 2.7%.
The fear-gauge CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) decreased 5.5% to 16.81. A total of 17 billion shares were traded on Tuesday, lower than the last 20-session average of 18.3 billion. Advancers outnumbered decliners by a 1.51-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 1.68-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.
Trump Tariffs Continue to Weigh on the Markets
On Tuesday, President Trump announced sweeping new tariff plans, framing them as part of his ongoing “reciprocal” trade strategy. He announced a hefty 50% tariff on imported copper, calling it a move to bolster U.S. industry. He also confirmed looming tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, potentially as high as 200%, as the U.S. broadens its trade offensive.
Simultaneously, Trump reiterated his earlier threat of imposing a 10% surcharge on imports from all BRICS nations, accusing the group of attempting to weaken the U.S. dollar. He emphasized that no extensions would be granted beyond the Aug. 1 deadline for countries to negotiate bilateral trade agreements. Letters have been supposedly dispatched to 14 nations, warning them of tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% from that date unless deals are struck.
In essence, the Trump administration has made clear that copper, pharma and BRICS imports would soon face steep duties, and that all remaining partners had until Aug. 1 to reach an accord or face serious consequences. The markets continued to react unfavorably to these reports, even as the slide was not as steep as on Monday. Stocks from the Dow Index were particularly affected, with utilities, staples and financials facing most of the brunt.
Consequently, shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. NEE and Walmart Inc. WMT fell 3.1% and 2.3%, respectively. Both currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Oil Prices Hit 2-Week High to Provide the Markets Some Relief
Oil prices hit a two-week high on Tuesday, providing some relief to the markets reeling under the Trump tariff announcements. Prices went up on forecasts for less U.S. oil production, renewed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and worries about U.S. tariffs on imported copper.
Brent crude rose 57 cents, or 0.8%, to settle at $70.15/barrel, while WTI crude closed up 40 cents, or 0.6% at $68.33.
Economic Data
Per a Fed report, Consumer Credit for May increased by $5.1 billion. The number for April was revised down to an increase of $16.9 billion from the previously reported $17.9 billion.
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NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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