US Stock Futures Sink Amid Trade War Tensions

US stock futures tumbled on Monday as escalating fears over the impending trade war dominated market sentiment ahead of President Trump’s anticipated tariff measures.

Among the hardest hit were contracts for the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100, which fell 1.1%, while futures for the S&P 500 declined about 0.8%. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average also suffered, dropping approximately 0.5%, or 200 points.

Investors are preparing for a challenging end to March following a turbulent month and quarter influenced heavily by Trump’s rapidly changing tariff strategies. Last week, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both closed in the red for the fifth time in six weeks.

Market sell-offs are being driven by growing anxiety over the economic repercussions of Trump’s aggressive trade measures, as uncertainty surrounding their full extent keeps risk appetite subdued. This week, investors are anticipating the most extensive round of U.S. tariffs yet, which Trump plans to unveil on April 2, referring to the day as “Liberation Day.”

Trump declared his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs on “all countries” from the outset, dashing hopes for a more restrained approach. A report from The Washington Post suggested that the president is urging his advisors to go even further with these levies.

In light of these tariff threats, markets are closely monitoring for signs of economic strain, particularly after stocks dropped following an unexpectedly high “core” PCE reading — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. The upcoming March jobs report, set for release on Friday, is this week’s key piece of economic data, with additional updates on private payrolls and job vacancies also expected.