As the stock market gears up for another trading day, it’s critical to arm yourself with the **latest insights** and **key developments** that can influence market behavior. Today, we explore the five vital things every investor should know before making any decisions when the market opens. So, let’s dive in and navigate this financial landscape together!
1. U.S. Stock Futures Plunge Following Tariff Announcements
**U.S. stock futures are indicating a significant decline** as investors react to the **volatile global market**. Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs, global indexes have taken a sharp hit. **Nasdaq futures** have plummeted nearly **4%** after the tech index suffered a staggering **6% loss** in the previous session. Both the **S&P 500** and **Dow Jones Industrial Average** futures have dipped approximately **3.5%**. Meanwhile, yields on the **10-year Treasury note** are plunging, now around **3.9%**. Investors should also note the decline in oil futures and the current trading position of bitcoin at around **$82,000**, while **gold futures** see an upward trend.
2. China Slams Back with Retaliatory Tariffs
In a swift response to the **U.S. tariffs**, **China has announced** a monumental **34% tariff** on U.S. imports, set to take effect on **April 10**. This news, reported by the official **Xinhua News Agency**, underscores the rising tensions between the two economic powerhouses. President Trump, on the defensive, expressed that he remains **open to negotiations**, indicating potential discussions with various nations regarding the **import taxes** implemented earlier. Last-minute talks about issues like the **potential sale of TikTok** might become a bargaining chip as deadlines loom.
3. Job Growth Slows in March Employment Report
Expectations are set that the **U.S. labor market** will show signs of cooling in the March employment report, to be released at **8:30 a.m. ET**. Forecasts predict that **U.S. employers added 140,000 jobs** last month, down from **151,000** in February, according to a survey from **Dow Jones Newswires** and **The Wall Street Journal**. The **unemployment rate** is anticipated to stay steady at **4.1%**. Notably, amidst these figures, **layoffs** continue to rise, chiefly attributed to cuts in the federal workforce.
4. Intel and TSMC Set to Shape the Future of U.S. Chipmaking
In an industry-shaping move, **Intel** and **Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.** have reportedly agreed to form a **joint venture** aimed at revitalizing U.S. chip manufacturing. This venture would oversee **Intel’s foundry business**, with TSMC taking a **20% stake** in the new entity, as reported by **The Information**. Following a challenging year for Intel, where the company’s stock struggled against rising competition, the recent **leadership changes** have sparked a **12% uptick in shares** this year alone. However, in premarket trading, both companies’ stocks are feeling the pressure from the broader market selloff.
5. DOJ Steers Clear of Scrutinizing Capital One-Discover Merger
In an encouraging turn of events for Capital One, the **Justice Department** has decided not to challenge its **$35 billion acquisition** of **Discover Financial Services**. This development promises to ease concerns regarding competition in the credit card sector, as reported by **The New York Times**. Although the **Federal Reserve** or the **Office of the Comptroller of the Currency** could still intervene, the likelihood seems low. Stock performance for both firms shows a dip in premarket trading, aligning with the wider market trends.
