US stocks surged on Wednesday as President Trump announced a pause on some tariffs, leading to the S&P 500's largest gain since March 2020.
The S&P 500 Index surged over 7% in afternoon trading, with all sectors rising at least 2.5% and the Nasdaq 100 Index jumping 9%.
Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs was positively received in the market, with major stocks like Delta Air Lines and Tesla seeing significant gains.
The exclusion of tariffs on China raised concerns among investors, with uncertainties remaining about the impact on the economy.
Amid market volatility, retail traders bought $719 million in the first hour of trading, showing increased activity.
Investors are closely monitoring market levels for signs of a bottom, with technical levels like 4,910 and 5,000 being key areas of interest.
US companies, including Amazon and Delta Air Lines, are already feeling the impact of tariffs, with cancellation of orders and revised financial guidance.
Concerns about downside risks to both markets and the economy persist due to factors like uncertainty in trade policies and lower sentiment.
Oil and gas producers experienced drops in stock prices amid escalating trade tensions and decreasing energy demand.
The market response to Trump's tariff announcement reflects a mix of optimism, caution, and ongoing challenges for businesses and investors.