S&P 500 is flat Friday, but heads for worst since September amid tariff uncertainty: Live updates
The S&P 500
gyrated on Friday, regaining some ground with the benchmark headed for its worst week since September as the salvo of trade policy actions unnerved investors.
The broad index added 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite
rose 0.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average
flickered around flat.
A weaker-than-expected jobs report released Friday raised further concerns about an economic softening and sent rates lower. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 151,000 jobs in February, less than the consensus forecast for 170,000 from economists polled by Dow Jones. The unemployment rate ticked higher to 4.1%.
That came as stocks have been on a roller-coaster ride this week with President Donald Trump’s tariff policies worrying investors about future U.S. growth and inflation. Trump said on Thursday that a swath of goods from Canada and Mexico that are covered by the North American trade agreement known as USMCA would be exempt from the announced duties until April 2.
That move effectively walked back much of the original plan. But the market has still sold-off this week, with uncertainty mounting amid constant updates and a lack of clarity around what to expect longer term.
“The stock market is moving in lockstep with tariff headlines, and that is likely to keep volatility very elevated for the foreseeable future, as the market does not like uncertainty,” said Glen Smith, chief investment officer at GDS Wealth Management. “While we expect the market to find its footing and recover from the tariff-driven selloff, investors should brace for continued choppiness until these uncertainties clear.”
This market rout put the three major averages on course for their worst week since September 2024. The S&P 500 is off 3.4% week to date, while the 30-stock Dow is down 3%. The Nasdaq is the has dropped 3.7% so far this week and fell into correction territory, meaning it closed 10% off its all-time high.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged to CNBC on Friday that the economy could be starting “roll a bit.” However, Bessent said that was due to a transition from the policies of the previous administration. Bessent said any tariffs implemented would be a “one-time price adjustment” and not spark lasting inflation.
“The week confirmed that tariffs remain a wildcard for market confidence,” said Mark Malek, investment chief at Siebert Financial. “Traders are exhausted from the back-and-forth.”
Friday’s market got upward momentum from Broadcom
’s rally of more than 6% on strong earnings. Nvidia
, another artificial intelligence giant, also rose in the session.
Nasdaq
on Friday announced that it is joining the push for round-the-clock stock market trading.
“We are excited to share that Nasdaq has begun engaging with regulators, market participants and other key stakeholders, with a view of enabling 24-hour trading five days a week on the Nasdaq Stock Market,” company president Tal Cohen announced in a blog post.
The rough timeline is to begin trading in the second half of 2026, Cohen said, pending regulatory approval and infrastructure.
The Nasdaq decision comes one month after Cboe Global Markets announced its plans to offer 24-hour trading five days a week. The New York Stock Exchange has announced similar plans, and the new 24X National Exchange is also expected to launch this year. Several brokerage platforms offer similar schedules to their clients.
— Jesse Pound
Stocks kicked off Friday’s session in the red.
The S&P 500
and Dow
slid 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite
ticked 0.1% lower.
— Alex Harring
These are the stocks moving the most in premarket trading:
Read the full list of stocks moving here.
— Lisa Kailai Han
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on “Squawk Box” that there may be signs of weakness in the U.S. economy.
“Could we be seeing that this economy that we inherited starting to roll a bit? Sure. And look, there’s going to be a natural adjustment as we move away from public spending to private spending,” Bessent said.
He also said that tariffs would lead to a “one-time price adjustment” rather than long-term inflation.
Bessent’s comments came before the release of the February jobs report.
— Jesse Pound
The U.S. economy created fewer jobs than anticipated in February, with 151,000 jobs added. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected an increase of 170,000 jobs. The unemployment rate ticked slightly higher to 4.1% from 4%.
The report comes as the Trump administration begins to cut the federal workforce.
— Fred Imbert
With just Friday’s session left, the three major averages are on track for their worst weeks since September.
The Nasdaq Composite
has dropped 4.1% week to date. The Dow
slipped 2.9%, while the S&P 500
has slid 3.6%.
— Alex Harring
Deutsche Bank says to “follow the leader” and look to Union Pacific
in the freight transportation sector.
In a Friday research note, analyst Richa Harnain initiated coverage on the railroad stock with a buy rating and price target of $295, which represents 20.2% upside potential from Thursday’s close.
Union Pacific’s operating margin of 40.1% and 15.8% rate of return on invested capital in the past year make it a stand-out name among its peers, per Harnain.
In a separate note to clients, Harnain also initiated coverage on Old Dominion
with a buy rating.
“When it comes to generating robust financial returns and operating efficiency, it doesn’t get much better than ODFL in the Transportation sector in our view. The company significantly outperforms the transportation industry across various key profitability metrics,” Harnain wrote.
Harnain has a $295 price target on shares, suggesting shares could rise by nearly a third.
— Hakyung Kim
Asia-Pacific markets fell on Friday, with yields on long-term Japanese government bonds hitting levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis.
The moves in Asia markets mirrored losses on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff concessions failed to calm investors.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225
led regional losses, closing 2.17% lower at 36,887.17. The broad-based Topix fell 1.56% to end the day at 2,708.59.
South Korea’s Kospi
lost 0.49% to close at 2,563.48, while the small-cap Kosdaq dropped 0.98% to end the day at 727.70.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200
plunged 1.81% to close at a six-month low of 7,948.20.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was down 0.76% in choppy trade in its last hour. Mainland China’s CSI 300 index ended the day 0.31% lower at 3,944.01.
India’s benchmark Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex index were trading flat as at 1 p.m. local time.
— Amala Balakrishner
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that would create a strategic bitcoin reserve.
It will be funded exclusively with bitcoin seized in criminal and civil forfeiture cases, White House crypto and artificial intelligence czar David Sacks wrote in a post on social media platform X.
The executive order also creates a U.S. digital asset stockpile, which will be managed by the Treasury Department. It will hold other confiscated crypto.
Bitcoin
prices were down nearly 2% as of 8:47 p.m. ET, trading at about $88,427.11.
Read more about the strategic bitcoin reserve from CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos here.
—Darla Mercado
Stock futures were higher on Thursday, as investors were gearing up for the forthcoming February jobs report on Friday.
Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Averages gained 44 points, or 0.1%. D&P 500 futures added 0.3%, while Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.5%.
— Brian Evans
Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you.
Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services.
© 2025 CNBC LLC. All Rights Reserved.
A Division of NBCUniversal
Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis.
Data also provided by
Nasdaq announces plans for round-the-clock trading
Stocks open lower
Stocks making the biggest moves before the bell: Walgreens, Broadcom and more
Bessent says economy may be ‘starting to roll a bit’
U.S. economy adds 151,000 jobs in February, less than expected
Stocks head for worst week since September
Deutsche Bank initiates transport stocks with buy ratings
Japan’s 30-year bond yield hits highest level since 2008; Nikkei leads Asia losses
Trump signs executive order to establish U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve
Stock futures open higher
News Tips
CNBC Newsletters
Advertise With Us
Dow Jones Futures: Jobs Report Due As Trump Blames ‘Globalists’ For Market Dive; Broadcom Jumps
BREAKING: U.S. Adds 151,000 Jobs In February; 10,000 Federal Jobs Cut
New to Investors.com?
Dow Jones futures were little changed early Friday, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures, with the February jobs report on tap. Broadcom (AVGO)and Costco Wholesale (COST)
The stock market suffered significant losses Thursday, with the Nasdaq back below the 200-day line amid Trump tariff fatigue. The S&P 500 undercut its 200-day line as well as Tuesday’s low. Tesla (TSLA), Nvidia (NVDA) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) were big losers.
More resilient stocks began to buckle, with Netflix (NFLX) and DoorDash (DASH) tumbling below their 50-day lines.
A stock market rally attempt is still underway for the Nasdaq, but remains tentative at best.
Notably, while the U.S. stock market is in a correction, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng has surged to a three-year high while Germany’s DAX is at all-time levels amid overseas stimulus efforts.
DoorDash stock is on IBD Leaderboard, though a reduced position. Netflix stock s on the IBD 50.
Dow Jones futures were even vs. fair value. S&P 500 futures rose 0.1%. Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 0.2%, buoyed by Broadcom. Futures have pared modest overnight gains.
The 10-year Treasury yield dipped to 4.25%.
Crude oil rose more than 1%.
The jobs report will be sure to swing Dow futures, Treasury yields and more.
President Trump signed an order late Thursday, creating a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, funded by seized coins not new purchases. The Bitcoin price fell slightly overnight.
Remember that overnight action in Dow futures and elsewhere doesn’t necessarily translate into actual trading in the next regular stock market session.
The Labor Department will release the February jobs report at 8:30 a.m. ET. Economists expect to see nonfarm payrolls rising by 160,000 after January’s 143,000. The jobless rate is seen holding at 4%
Planned layoffs soared in February to their highest level since June 2020, with federal government layoffs surging due to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. But those layoffs likely will show up in future months. Government job losses could spill over to private employment, both via federal contractors and general economic spillover.
President Donald Trump will pause tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods and services covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement until April 2. That reportedly includes about half of Mexican goods and 38% of Canadian imports.
Earlier Thursday, Trump signaled that he was providing the latest reprieve to Mexico, but didn’t mention Canada.
On Wednesday, Trump gave automakers a one-month exemption from the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
But those one-month exemptions will be over quickly. A slew of other tariffs are set to phase in over the next few weeks. April 2 also is when Trump is set to start imposing “reciprocal” tariffs on other countries.
Meanwhile, tariffs and tariff uncertainty could spur layoffs or hiring and investment freezes as companies await more certainty.
Trump told reporters that the recent tariff reprieves aren’t related to market woes. The president, who would often cite a rising Dow Jones in his first term, said he is “not looking at the stock market.” Trump blamed “globalist countries and companies” for the sell-off.
Join IBD experts as they analyze leading stocks and the market on IBD Live
AVGO stock surged overnight after Broadcom earnings topped views and the AI chipmaker guided higher. In Thursday’s regular session, Broadcom stock tumbled 6.3% to just below its 200-day line as fellow custom AI chipmaker Marvell Technology (MRVL) dived nearly 20% on its earnings report.
COST stock fell modestly in extended action after Costco earnings missed but revenue topped. Costco stock fell 2% to 1,026.62 on Thursday. The warehouse membership retailer has been consolidating within a buy zone for the past few weeks. Smaller rival BJ’s Wholesale (BJ) blasted out of a base Thursday on its own earnings.
Meanwhile, Samsara (IOT) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) plunged overnight on their results.
The stock market sold off Thursday after rallying Wednesday, despite Trump providing more short-term tariff exemptions. Investors seem to be developing Trump tariff fatigue, with the whipsaw action generated unease.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1% in Thursday’s stock market trading. The S&P 500 index gave up 1.8%, undercutting recent lows but just closing above the 200-day line. The Nasdaq composite sold off 2.6%, back below the 200-day moving average and marking its lowest close in five months. The small-cap Russell 2000 shed 1.6%
The S&P 500 undercut Tuesday’s intraday low, ending its rally attempt. But Friday will be day four of a rally attempt for the Nasdaq. So it could stage a follow-through day after Friday’s jobs report.
Not all confirmed stock market rallies work. With the market so headline driven, stocks could easily spike higher on news, triggering a follow-through day, then immediately sell off on other reports.
U.S. crude oil prices rose five cents to $66.36 a barrel.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose two basis points to 4.28%, off intraday highs of 4.34% but continuing a strong bounce from Tuesday’s morning low of 4.11%.
Among growth ETFs, the Innovator IBD 50 ETF (FFTY) plunged 5.1%. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) gave up 3.8%, with Palantir stock a key holding. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) tumbled 4.2%, with Nvidia stock the No. 1 holding. Broadcom stock and Marvell also are key components.
ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) skidded 4.7% and ARK Genomics ETF (ARKG) retreated 3.2%. Tesla stock is still the top component across Ark Invest’s ETFs. PLTR stock also is a top-five Cathie Wood holding.
SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) declined 1.6%. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) dipped 0.3%. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) shed 0.9%. The Financial Select SPDR ETF (XLF) dropped 1.6%.
Time The Market With IBD’s ETF Market Strategy
Tesla stock fell 5.6% to 263.45, the lowest since the Nov. 5 Election Day and round-tripping back below a 264.86 cup-with-handle buy point. On Thursday, Baird analysts slashed their TSLA price target to 370 from 440, citing growing risks of a first-quarter delivery miss for the EV giant. Tesla stock is on track for its seventh straight weekly loss.
Palantir stock dived 10.7% to 80.46, back below the 50-day moving average. PLTR stock bounced 6.8% on Wednesday to reclaim that level.
Nvidia stock skidding 5.7% to 110.57, just holding above Tuesday’s intraday low but marking the worst close in nearly six months.
Tesla Vs. BYD: Comparing The EV Giants
Netflix stock dived 8.5% to 906.36, below its 50-day line and a 941.75 buy point cleared on Jan. 22.
DoorDash stock skidded7.7% to 180.11, also undercutting its 50-day. Shares tested a 181.78 flat-base buy point cleared in late January.
The stock market continues its volatile daily and intraday moves on headlines. There’s a rally attempt in play, though it doesn’t feel like it.
Most investors should wait for a follow-through day, whether that’s Friday, next week or months from now.
In a correction, the priority is to preserve your financial and mental capital.
It’s time to be updating watchlists. Focus on stocks showing relative strength. Remember, stocks can be resilient for some time before they crack. Netflix stock and DoorDash are among the latest to do so. Cast your net widely. Definitely look at investing outside the U.S. economy, either via stocks or ETFs. As Tesla, Nvidia and Palantir stock show, old growth leaders may be in the penalty box for some time.
Read The Big Picture every day to stay in sync with the market direction and leading stocks and sectors.
Please follow Ed Carson on Threads at @edcarson1971 and X/Twitter at @IBD_ECarson for stock market updates and more.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Want To Get Quick Profits And Avoid Big Losses? Try SwingTrader
Best Growth Stocks To Buy And Watch
IBD Digital: Unlock IBD’s Premium Stock Lists, Tools And Analysis Today
How To Invest: Rules For When To Buy And Sell Stocks In Bull And Bear Markets
Average True Range: Your New Tool To Avoid Excessive Swings In Growth Stocks
3/07/2025 The Dow Jones dropped Friday on a surprise jobs report. Fed Chair Powell’s speech looms. Nvidia partner Hewlett Packard crashed…
Get instant access to exclusive stock lists, expert market analysis and powerful tools with 2 months of IBD Digital for only $20!
Get market updates, educational videos, webinars, and stock analysis.
Learn how you can make more money with IBD’s investing tools, top-performing stock lists, and educational content.
Information in Investor’s Business Daily is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, recommendation, solicitation, or rating to buy or sell securities. The information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee as to its accuracy, timeliness, or suitability, including with respect to information that appears in closed captioning. Historical investment performances are no indication or guarantee of future success or performance. Authors/presenters may own the stocks they discuss. We make no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in any particular securities or utilizing any specific investment strategies. Information is subject to change without notice. For information on use of our services, please see our Terms of Use.
*Real-time prices by Nasdaq Last Sale. Real-time quote and/or trade prices are not sourced from all markets. Ownership data provided by LSEG and Estimate data provided by FactSet.
IBD, IBD Digital, IBD Live, IBD Weekly, Investor’s Business Daily, Leaderboard, MarketDiem, MarketSurge and other marks are trademarks owned by Investor’s Business Daily, LLC.
©2025 Investor’s Business Daily, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
