Stock market today: S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq futures hit pause with fresh tariffs, Fed minutes in focus

Published On Feb 19, 2025, 6:29 AM

US stock futures are holding steady, with the S&P 500 at record highs as investors digest new tariff announcements from President Trump and await minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting. Trump has announced potential tariffs of about 25% on various foreign goods, including autos, aiming to begin these from April 2. Meanwhile, there is investor concern about how these tariffs could affect inflation and monetary policy, while the stock market exhibits resilience amid these developments.

Stock Forecasts

SPY

Positive

The announcement of fresh tariffs, while potentially negative for long-term economic stability, seems to have not significantly impacted stock market trading in the short term as investors remain optimistic. The Fed's outlook will further shape market expectations regarding inflation and interest rates, which can influence future market performance.

F

Negative

Tariffs targeting the automotive sector could negatively affect companies within that segment. However, the overall optimism in the stock market could lead to maintaining a positive sentiment unless significant negative impacts from tariffs are noted in upcoming economic data.

NVDA

Negative

Tech companies may also feel the impact if tariffs on semiconductor chips are implemented. As a technology sector stock, uncertainty may impact short-term investments, but investor sentiment remains strong overall, leading to possible resilience in stock prices.

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Stocks followed on from the S&P 500s record close with consistent gains in after-market movement.

SPY
INTC
PLTR
META

Investors continue to largely shake off concerns around persistent inflation and tariffs.

SPY
BMBL
ANET

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday auto tariffs will be around 25% and he will have more to share on the topic on April 2. On Friday, Trump said levies on automobiles would come as soon as April 2, the day after members of his cabinet are due to deliver reports to him outlining options for a range of import duties as he seeks to reshape global trade. Trump has long pointed to what he calls unfair treatment of U.S. automotive exports in foreign markets.