Trade War 2.0: Q1 Market Turmoil and Q2 Outlook

Wall Street concluded the first quarter of 2025 with significant declines, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq experienced notable drops, particularly among the "Magnificent Seven" tech companies. This market downturn coincided with escalating trade tensions, dubbed "Trade War 2.0," spurred by President Trump's threats of new tariffs and uncertainty surrounding broader import duties. Despite the U.S. market struggles, European and Chinese stocks showed strength, highlighting potential global economic divergence. Amidst this volatility, commodities like gold and copper gained favor, and investors are advised to adopt defensive strategies for the upcoming quarter, anticipating continued market turbulence and the potential for reciprocal tariffs.