US stocks ended lower on Friday (Jan 31), with indices losing ground after the White House said US President Donald Trump will implement on Saturday tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10 per cent on Chinese goods.
Investors have been bracing for further tariff news after Trump has repeatedly warned about using the measure. Uncertainty over the impact of tariffs has muddled the outlook for the economy and inflation.
Reuters earlier quoted sources familiar with the tariff deliberations as saying that Trump would announce tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports on Saturday but delay collection of the duties until Mar 1.
A White House spokesperson called the report “false”. She said the duties would be published on Saturday and would take effect immediately. Stocks turned lower on the day following the White House comments.
“I would have thought the market would be down more. It’s not just the announcement itself, which I think probably impacts a select number of industries. It’s whatever retaliation moves are taken,” said Rick Meckler, partner at Cherry Lane Investments, a family investment office in New Vernon, New Jersey.
Earlier in the session, economic data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates unchanged for longer.
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US prices increased as expected in December, while consumer spending surged.
“Clearly, it makes total sense that the Fed didn’t do anything this week, and it makes sense (Fed Chair) Jay Powell would say they’re not in a hurry to lower rates,” said Scott Wren, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute in St Louis, Missouri.
According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 31.1 points or 0.5 per cent to end at 6,040.07 points, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 58.47 points or 0.3 per cent to 19,623.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 341.68 points or 0.8 per cent to 44,540.45.
The Fed left rates unchanged in its policy announcement on Wednesday, and Powell said the US central bank wants to see further progress in inflation before cutting rates.
Apple shares were volatile. The company gave upbeat executive comments in its earnings on Thursday, in a sign it expects to recover from a dip in iPhone sales as it rolls out artificial intelligence features.
Chevron shares fell after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings below estimates. REUTERS
