US equity markets experienced a slight pullback on Tuesday, concluding a day of fluctuating investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average settled at 34,112, representing a decrease of 0.1% compared to the previous trading session.
Earlier in the day, the broader S&P 500 declined by 0.4%, reaching approximately 5,299 points. The technology-heavy Nasdaq 100 registered a decrease of 0.7%, closing around 23,019 points.
The ongoing trade policies of the US administration continue to significantly influence market dynamics. While nations, including Switzerland, are actively seeking agreements to avert previously announced tariffs scheduled for implementation in April, the administration has signaled intentions to impose further tariff increases. Recent announcements have included potential tariff rates of up to 250% on pharmaceuticals. Simultaneously, the administration has urged the European Union to fulfill previously pledged investments in the United States, cautioning that failure to do so could result in a doubling of planned tariffs on most EU products, escalating from 15% to 35%.
The euro gained slight strength against the US dollar, trading at $1.1573, with the dollar fetching €0.8641.
Gold prices saw a modest increase, reaching $3,379 per fine ounce (+0.1%), equivalent to €93.88 per gram.
Conversely, crude oil prices decreased. Brent North Sea crude traded at $68.07, a drop of $0.69 or 1.0% compared to the previous day’s closing value.
