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

Published On Feb 19, 2025, 10:21 AM

The U.S. stock market opened lower today due to President Trump's announcement of a new 25% tariff on imports of autos, chips, and pharmaceuticals. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq each fell approximately 2%, while the Dow Jones dropped 0.3%. Investors are awaiting the release of the Federal Reserve's minutes, which could indicate how tariffs may impact inflation and interest rates. Despite recent threats, the S&P 500 reached a record high prior to this drop, highlighting potential resilience in the market. Etsy reported disappointing fourth-quarter sales, contributing to its stock's decline.

Stock Forecasts

ETSY

Negative

Given the broader concerns regarding tariffs and potential inflation impacts, as well as the disappointing earnings from Etsy, the market environment appears cautious. The auto sector and related stocks may be adversely affected by the new tariffs, indicating potential declines in those stocks based on increased costs and supply chain disruptions.

SPY

Negative

The overall stock market may face downward pressure due to tariff announcements and their economic implications, but resilience shown in previous highs suggests strength may return once new information is digested. Investors may want to look for long positions in ETFs or sectors that provide insulation from tariffs or have strong fundamentals.

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