Market Opens Lower Amid Trade War Concerns

As March concludes, U.S. stock markets opened significantly lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 300 points in premarket trading. The Nasdaq 100 experienced a sharp decline, falling up to 2.48%, marking its lowest point since September. This downturn reflects growing investor anxiety over impending tariff measures.

Impending Tariffs Stir Market Volatility

The U.S. administration's announcement of a 25% tariff on all non-U.S. made cars, effective Wednesday, has heightened fears of escalating trade tensions. President Donald Trump's reference to the day as "Liberation Day" and his emphasis on reciprocal tariffs affecting all countries have further unsettled investors.

Market Performance at a Glance

By 9:30 am ET, the Dow Jones had lost 0.76%, or 317 points, with Amazon shares dropping 3.03%. The S&P 500 decreased by 1.07%, and Moderna Inc. saw a dramatic 8.93% fall. The Nasdaq 100 started the session with a 1.52% loss, quickly deepening to 2.48%, as Applovin Corporation's shares dipped 6.01%. Meanwhile, the euro traded 0.12% lower against the dollar, valued at $1.08177 at 9:28 am ET.