Market Pulse – Live UpdatesStock Market Today: Major Indexes Fall as Investors Eye Tariffs and Earnings
The stock market opened lower on Monday, April 21, 2025, as investors continue to grapple with concerns over President Trump’s tariff policies and prepare for a busy week of corporate earnings. As of early trading, all three major U.S. indexes are showing significant declines, extending last week’s losses.
The S&P 500 dropped approximately 1.09% to 5,254.75, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.21% to 18,158.00. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also tumbled, declining nearly 1% or about 380 points to 38,950.00.
This marks the third weekly decline in the last four trading weeks for all major indexes. The S&P 500 is now sitting 14.07% below its record high, while the Nasdaq Composite is down 19.39% from its peak, approaching bear market territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average remains 13.16% below its all-time high.
Why is the Market Down Today?
The primary factor weighing on market sentiment continues to be uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies. Over the weekend, Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee warned in a CBS interview that these tariffs could cause U.S. economic activity to “fall off” by summer. This follows Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s earlier concerns that the tariffs could present a “two-pronged policy challenge” for the central bank in controlling inflation while supporting economic growth.
The Cboe Volatility Index, often referred to as the market’s “fear gauge,” has risen to around 32, well above its long-term median level of 17.6, indicating heightened investor anxiety.
Major Stock News and Market Movers
Among individual stocks making news today, investors are closely watching several companies:
– Nvidia (NVDA) continues to face pressure, down 2.93% in early trading. The AI chipmaker recently disclosed it would record a quarterly charge of about $5.5 billion due to export controls affecting its H20 graphics processing units to China.
– Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ) is surging, up an impressive 43.87%, making it one of today’s top gainers.
– UnitedHealth Group (UNH) remains under pressure after last week’s 22.38% plunge following its slashed profit forecast and disappointing quarterly results.
Upcoming Market Events This Week
This week features a packed earnings calendar with over 100 S&P 500 companies set to report. Two “Magnificent Seven” tech giants will be in the spotlight:
– Tesla (TSLA) reports Tuesday after market close. Analysts expect earnings of 42 cents per share, down 6.7% year-over-year, on revenue of $21.5 billion. The electric vehicle maker has already reported a 12% year-over-year decline in vehicle deliveries for Q1, and investors will be watching for comments on how Trump’s tariffs might impact its supply chain and pricing.
– Alphabet (GOOGL) reports Thursday after the bell. Wall Street expects earnings of $2.01 per share, up 6.3% year-over-year, on revenue of $89.2 billion. The Google parent has seen its stock drop more than 20% year-to-date amid tech sector rotation, antitrust concerns, and tariff uncertainties.
Other notable companies reporting this week include Boeing (BA), Verizon (VZ), GE Aerospace (GE), Lockheed Martin (LMT), IBM (IBM), and Intel (INTC).
Market Outlook
While uncertainty persists, some analysts believe the extreme market swings seen in recent weeks may be subsiding. Mike Dickson of Horizon Investments noted that “although the tariff situation remains fluid, we believe the roughly 10% daily and weekly market swings seen in recent weeks are behind us for now.”
Investors will be closely monitoring earnings reports this week for insights into how companies are preparing for potential tariff impacts, as well as any statements from the Trump administration regarding trade policy developments.