On March 3, 2025, stock futures rose in the evening as traders attempted to move past concerns regarding U.S. trade policies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures increased by 96 points, or 0.2%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures gained nearly 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively.
- Traders on NYSE floor, March 3, 2025.
- Stock futures higher amid trade policy concerns.
- Dow futures up 96 points, S&P 500 gains.
- Major averages experienced a sell-off Thursday.
- Trump's tariff policies continue to unsettle investors.
- February payrolls report expected to impact markets.
The stock market has experienced volatility this week, primarily driven by concerns over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. On Thursday, major indices faced significant declines, with the Dow losing over 400 points and the Nasdaq Composite falling into correction territory, more than 10% below its recent high. This downturn marked a challenging week for the markets, positioning them for their worst performance since September 2024.
As of Thursday, key statistics indicated that the S&P 500 was down 3.6% for the week, the Dow was down 2.9%, and the Nasdaq was the worst performer, down 4.1%. Traders are particularly focused on upcoming economic indicators, including February’s nonfarm payrolls report, which is expected to show a growth of 170,000 jobs and maintain an unemployment rate of 4%.
Market analysts suggest that the fluctuations are a result of ongoing uncertainty regarding tariff impacts. Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group, commented on the difficulty of pricing these impacts as the situation continues to evolve. Despite some concessions from Trump regarding exemptions for certain goods from Canada and Mexico under the USMCA, investor confidence remains shaky.
In summary, while stock futures showed signs of recovery on March 3, 2025, the broader market remains under pressure due to trade policy uncertainties. Investors are awaiting the nonfarm payrolls report for further insights into the economic landscape.
