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U.S. stocks ended slightly lower Friday as markets reacted to President Donald Trump’s remarks on Chinese tariffs ahead of key trade talks this weekend in Switzerland. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 119.07 points (0.29%) to 41,249.38, the S&P 500 lost 4.03 points (0.07%) to 5,659.91, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.78 points to 17,928.92. For the week, the S&P 500 dropped 0.47%, the Nasdaq declined 0.27%, and the Dow fell 0.16%.
Trump suggested that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports "seems right," down from the current 145%, signaling potential policy shifts. Investors are closely watching for outcomes from the weekend discussions, which could either ease or escalate the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. Economists noted that any progress could significantly impact long-term global trade and inflation trends.
Markets remain volatile following Trump’s initial tariff announcements, though strong corporate earnings have helped cushion declines. About 76% of the 450 S&P 500 companies reporting so far have beaten analyst expectations, though many firms have issued cautious forward guidance due to trade uncertainties.
Energy stocks rose 1.1% as oil prices climbed ahead of the trade talks, while healthcare lagged, falling 1.1%. Expedia shares dropped 7.3% after missing revenue estimates.
Fed officials reiterated concerns over economic risks tied to trade tensions, echoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent statements. Meanwhile, India reportedly proposed cutting its tariff gap with the U.S. to under 4% in exchange for tariff relief.
Despite investor optimism from a U.S.-UK trade deal earlier in the week, a 10% baseline U.S. tariff remains on British imports. Market breadth was mixed, with the NYSE showing more advancers while the Nasdaq saw more decliners. Trading volume hit 16.03 billion shares, just below the 20-day average.
