Business

Stock Market Takes a Dive as Powell Sounds Alarm on Tariffs

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2025

Traders in distress on a bustling stock market floor.

The U.S. stock market experienced a significant downturn on April 16, 2025, following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s warning about the potential negative impact of tariffs on inflation and economic growth. The sell-off was exacerbated by new trade restrictions on Nvidia, a leading chip manufacturer, which announced substantial financial losses due to U.S. export curbs to China.

Key Takeaways

The S&P 500 index fell by 2%, the Nasdaq by 3%, and the Dow Jones by 1.7%.
Nvidia’s stock plummeted by 8.5% after announcing a $5.5 billion charge due to new export restrictions.
Powell indicated that tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth.
The semiconductor sector faced widespread losses, affecting companies globally.

Market Reaction to Powell’s Comments

Powell’s remarks at The Economic Club of Chicago highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the new administration’s trade policies. He stated, "The new administration is in the process of implementing substantial policy changes in four distinct areas: trade, immigration, fiscal policy, and regulation. Those policies are still evolving, and their effects on the economy remain highly uncertain."

His comments triggered a wave of selling across major indexes, with investors reacting to the potential for increased inflation and economic slowdown. The market had already been under pressure due to Nvidia’s announcement regarding the impact of U.S. restrictions on its H20 chip sales to China.

Nvidia’s Financial Woes

Nvidia’s stock was at the center of the market’s decline, with shares dropping significantly after the company revealed it would incur a $5.5 billion charge due to the new licensing requirements imposed by the U.S. government. This restriction not only affects Nvidia but also has implications for other semiconductor companies, including:

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Shares fell by 6.5%, anticipating a charge of up to $800 million.
ASML: The Dutch company reported a 5.2% drop in shares, citing increased uncertainty in the macro environment.

Broader Implications for the Semiconductor Industry

The fallout from the tariffs has extended beyond U.S. borders, impacting semiconductor manufacturers in Asia and Europe. Key players such as Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) also saw declines in their stock prices, reflecting the global nature of the semiconductor supply chain.

Economic Outlook

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned that the ongoing trade tensions and tariffs could lead to a reversal in international trade growth, projecting a decline of 0.2% this year. This is a stark contrast to previous expectations of a 2.7% increase in goods trade.

Despite the negative sentiment, there were some positive indicators, such as a 1.4% rise in U.S. retail sales in March, suggesting that consumers may be purchasing goods in anticipation of higher prices due to tariffs. However, this could also indicate a rush to buy before the full impact of the tariffs is felt.

Conclusion

As the market grapples with the implications of tariffs and trade restrictions, investors remain cautious. Powell’s warnings about inflation and economic growth, coupled with Nvidia’s financial struggles, have created a challenging environment for the stock market. The coming weeks will be critical as the effects of these policies unfold and the market seeks clarity on the future of U.S.-China trade relations.