Stock Market Reacts to New Tariffs
Introduction
The stock market took a hit today as the Dow dropped 220 points in response to new tariffs put in place by President Trump. These tariffs, which went into effect on Thursday, are causing a ripple effect in global markets. The Wall Street Journal is providing live updates on the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq as the situation unfolds.
Key Details
The new tariffs are just the latest development in an ongoing trade war between the US and China. This has caused concern for investors as many companies rely on China for production and supply chain operations. For example, Apple, one of the world's largest technology companies, saw a boost in their stock price as they were granted a temporary exemption from the tariffs. Other companies, such as car manufacturers and agriculture businesses, have not been as fortunate and are feeling the impact of the tariffs.
Impact
The uncertainty surrounding the trade war and new tariffs has led to a volatile market. Investors are keeping a close eye on how this situation will continue to unfold and how it will impact their portfolios. The potential for increased prices on goods due to the tariffs could also have a negative effect on consumers. With the ongoing trade war and new tariffs, it's important to stay informed and make educated decisions when it comes to investing in the stock market.
About the People Mentioned
President Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician who has served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School with a degree in economics in 1968 and took over his family’s real estate business in 1971, renaming it the Trump Organization. Over decades, he expanded the company’s holdings into skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses, building a high-profile brand often associated with luxury and real estate development. Trump also gained fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015[1][3][7]. Trump entered politics as a Republican and won the presidency in 2016, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton in an unexpected victory. His tenure from 2017 to 2021 was marked by significant policy shifts, including tightening immigration controls, imposing a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, expanding the U.S.–Mexico border wall, rolling back environmental regulations, implementing major tax cuts, and appointing three Supreme Court justices. His foreign policy included withdrawing the U.S. from international agreements on climate change and Iran’s nuclear program, and initiating a trade war with China. Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was widely criticized for downplaying the virus's severity. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, he challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Trump was impeached twice but acquitted both times by the Senate[1][2]. In a historic political comeback, Trump was re-elected and inaugurated for a second non-consecutive term on January 20, 2025, becoming the oldest president to assume office at age 78. He remains a highly influential and polarizing figure in American politics[2][7]. Trump is married to Melania Trump, with whom he has one son, Barron, and has four adult children from previous marriages. He has authored several books, including *The Art of the Deal*, a business bestseller[3][5][7].
About the Organizations Mentioned
The Wall Street Journal
**The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)** is a premier American daily newspaper specializing in business, financial, and economic news. Founded on July 8, 1889, by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser—pioneers who also created the Dow Jones Industrial Average—the WSJ emerged directly from the heart of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. Its initial format evolved from "flimsies," small financial bulletins hand-delivered to traders, into a comprehensive four-page newspaper that quickly became a vital source of market and business information[1][2]. Over its long history, the WSJ has distinguished itself through rigorous financial reporting, editorial independence, and a mission to provide clear, factual business news. It is recognized as one of the United States’ newspapers of record, serving not only business professionals but also readers interested in national and international news, politics, technology, real estate, and culture[2][3]. The WSJ has been a pioneer in digital journalism, launching its online edition in 1996, which has since grown substantially; digital subscription numbers nearly doubled from 980,000 in 2007 to over 1.9 million by 2019, offsetting declines in print circulation[1]. This digital expansion has helped maintain its position as one of the world’s largest newspapers by circulation, currently approaching three million daily readers worldwide[1]. Notable for its authoritative reporting and analysis, the WSJ has earned multiple Pulitzer Prizes, underscoring its impact on journalism and public understanding of complex economic issues. With headquarters in New York City, the WSJ remains influential in shaping business and technology discourse, offering in-depth news, commentary, and market insights essential for professionals, investors, and policymakers[1][2][3].
Apple
Apple Inc. is a leading American multinational technology company known for pioneering personal computing, mobile devices, and software ecosystems. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Apple revolutionized technology with the first commercially successful personal computer and mainstream adoption of the graphical user interface (GUI), setting new standards in product design, user experience, and seamless integration across devices[2]. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple’s product lineup includes the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, Apple Watch, AirPods, and services such as the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud. The company has built a vast ecosystem that enables third-party developers to expand product functionalities, strengthening its market dominance. Apple is widely recognized for its innovation in hardware, software, and services, with an emphasis on aesthetics and privacy. In 2025, Apple committed to its largest-ever investment initiative, pledging $600 billion over four years in the United States to boost manufacturing, research and development, and advanced technology sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and silicon engineering[1][3]. This includes new manufacturing facilities, expanded R&D centers, and a program called the American Manufacturing Program (AMP) to encourage domestic production of critical components. These efforts support over 450,000 U.S. jobs and aim to establish a robust supply chain within the country[3]. Financially, Apple remains a powerhouse with a market capitalization of $3.84 trillion and annual revenue exceeding $400 billion. However, in 2025, it faced challenges including a 19% decline in stock value, intensified regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice over antitrust issues, legal disputes related to the App Store, and competitive pressure in AI technology[1][2]. Despite these hurdles, Apple continues to innovate, recently updating its software platforms with a unified "Liquid Glass" design and expanding its AI-driven personal assistant, Apple Intelligence[1]. Under CEO Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple balances technological advancement
