Daily Fundamental Update: US Indices Close Higher on Monday After Tariff’s Exemption

Tech stocks drive US indices higher
Monday’s session closed higher, led by tech stocks after the U.S. announced temporary tariff exemptions for electronics. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq gained 0.78%, 0.79%, and 0.64% respectively.
U.S. stock futures edged lower Tuesday following the S&P 500’s consecutive gains, as markets await Q1 earnings. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures, S&P 500 futures, and Nasdaq 100 futures all dipped slightly, down 0.08%, 0.11%, and 0.17%.
Asian markets climbed Tuesday following Wall Street’s tech-driven gains
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.08%, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.93%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.16%, while China’s CSI 300 remained flat. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 increased 0.41%.
India’s Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex jumped 2.10% and 2.26% respectively. The country’s March CPI is expected at 3.60%, with WPI forecast at 2.5%.
Eyes on Employment Numbers
A new survey in the US showed increased consumer concerns over inflation, unemployment, and stock market performance amid March’s trade tensions.
The survey revealed expectations of 3.6% inflation and 44% unemployment rate increases for next year – both significant rises. Stock market optimism fell to 33.8%, while gold price expectations rose to 5.2%.
The survey, conducted before recent tariff announcements, aligns with other indicators like the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey showing elevated concerns.