Contributors

Alan Wynne

Global Investment Strategist

Market update

Tariffed. Global markets went into risk-off mode following President Donald Trump’s Wednesday evening tariff announcements, with losses outsized in the U.S.

The S&P 500 sold off -4.8%, erasing $2.4 trillion of market cap and marking the worst one-day performance since 2022. Sectors with stretched valuations sold off the most, with the tech sector lower by -6.7%, the Magnificent 7 off by -6.7% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 down -5.4%.

International equities didn’t fare much better. In Europe, stocks fell -3.6%, while Chinese (Hang Seng -1.5%) and Japanese (TOPIX -3.1%) equities also declined.

On top of all the equity moves, investors had to digest a decline in U.S. services activity, which points to declining business sentiment even before the tariff announcement.

Investors bought fixed income to hedge growth slowdown risks, and yields across the Treasury curve rallied. The 2-year (3.68%) and 10-year (4.03%) were lower by 18 basis points and 10 basis points, respectively. Futures markets increased their expectations of interest rate cuts this year by a full 25 basis points.

The dollar weakened on growth concerns. The greenback declined -1.8% versus the euro, -1% relative to the Canadian dollar and -1.3% against the Mexican peso.

In commodities, oil ( -6.4%) sold off below $70 per barrel as OPEC+ unexpectedly tripled its planned May oil supply increase. The move, likely influenced by U.S. pressure to lower prices and offset Iranian sanctions, marks a shift in OPEC+’s strategy. Gold ( -0.6%) declined from its all-time high levels amid broad market selling.

This morning, China announced that it will impose a retaliatory 34% tariff on all U.S. imports starting April 10. As of 6:30 am EDT, U.S. equities are extending their losses with S&P 500 futures down -2.3%.

Below, we recap the tariff announcements this week and give our take on what to do next.

Spotlight

Rumble in the Rose Garden

What was announced? President Trump is imposing a minimum 10% tariff on all exporters to the U.S. and additional reciprocal duties on approximately 60 nations with the largest trade imbalances with the U.S. The tariffs will be implemented from April 5 to 9.

What are reciprocal tariffs? Reciprocal tariffs are trade duties imposed by a country in response to tariffs levied by another country, aiming to equalize the trade conditions between them. In the context of President Trump’s administration, reciprocal tariffs were part of a strategy to address perceived trade imbalances and protect domestic industries by imposing similar tariffs on imports from countries that had imposed tariffs on U.S. exports. This approach is intended to encourage negotiations and potentially lead to more favorable trade terms for the imposing country, though it can also lead to trade tensions and economic disruptions due to retaliation or changes in consumption (discussed further below).

As our Chairman of Asset and Wealth Management Investment Strategy, Michael Cembalest, noted in his latest piece, Redacted, the tariff rates announced appear to be calculated as the greater of 10% or the country’s trade surplus (exports to the U.S. minus imports from the U.S.) divided by its exports to the U.S. The table below indicates how that calculation shakes out for the six largest trade deficit countries targeted by reciprocal tariffs.

The table provides a detailed analysis of the U.S. trade deficit and tariff rates with several countries.

What wasn’t included in the announcement?

  • Notably, the United States’ two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, were left off the list and their existing 25% tariffs (with important carve-outs) will remain in place.
  • According to the executive order, some goods will be carved out (though they could face levies outside the scope of reciprocal tariffs), including:
    • Steel/aluminum
    • Copper
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Semiconductors
    • Lumber articles
    • Bullion
    • Energy materials that are not available in the U.S.

What’s the effect? This raises the average effective tariff rate in the United States to around 25% from around 5%. The new levies push the effective tariff rate to the highest level in over 100 years.

The chart illustrates the U.S. effective tariff rate as a percentage from 1900 to 2025

This is higher than market participants were expecting. According to a Goldman Sachs survey, only 65% of investors actually expected reciprocal tariffs to be levied and if they were levied, only 10% to 15% of them thought they would raise the tariff rate by 15 percentage points or more. A big question is whether these are negotiating positions and if the rates will decline after negotiations, or if the new rates are durable.

What does it mean? We estimate yesterday’s announcement could impact U.S. GDP by 1.5% to 2%, potentially reaching 2.5% when considering all tariffs this year. This could alter the economic outlook and increase recession risks beyond the 25% previously estimated. Uncertainties remain regarding legal challenges, negotiations and subsector exclusions, ensuring continued trade policy uncertainty.

What do we think? The announced tariffs land at the higher end of our expectations prior to the press conference. All else being equal, we anticipate the effect of the tariffs to present a meaningful headwind to U.S. growth and increase inflation.

What to do? This makes us marginally less positive on U.S. risk assets and marginally more positive on diversification, namely through structures, fixed income and gold. Ensure portfolios are diversified and resilient to withstand market cycles and align with your long-term goals. Our order of operations for investors considering their next move would be as follows:

1. Structured Notes: Leverage market volatility with structured notes that are designed to offer downside protection and potential for enhanced yield. These instruments can provide strategic opportunities to capture upside while offering buffers against market drawdowns.

2. Gold: Consider gold as a potential diversifier, as it may offer resilience amid volatility and geopolitical tensions. With recent market retreats, it might be worth evaluating whether to build a position, given its exemption from tariff measures and potential for price appreciation.

3. Bonds: Consider using bonds as a hedge against growth challenges by moving out of cash and into core bonds, which are designed to offer resilience against growth shocks. Diversified, laddered bond portfolios may help increase yield and duration without sacrificing quality, potentially providing a reliable foundation in uncertain times.

Above all, remember that market volatility is a normal feature of markets.  We’ve had growth shocks before and through it all, sticking to your strategic asset allocation with equities for capital appreciation, fixed income for downside growth resilience and opportunistic themes at the tactical margins has proven itself over time.

This chart provides a list of S&P 500 drawdown events, their peak and trough dates, magnitude of pullback, 3-month, 6-month-12-month, 24-month, and cumulative returns.

As always, your J.P. Morgan advisor is here to help.

All market and economic data as of 04/04/25 are sourced from Bloomberg Finance L.P. and FactSet unless otherwise stated.

Connect with a Wealth Advisor

Reach out to your Wealth Advisor to discuss any considerations for your current portfolio. If you don’t have a Wealth Advisor, click here to tell us about your needs and we’ll reach out to you.

Connect now

DISCLOSURES

The information presented is not intended to be making value judgments on the preferred outcome of any government decision or political election.

Investors should understand the potential tax liabilities surrounding a municipal bond purchase. Certain municipal bonds are federally taxed if the holder is subject to alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are federally taxable. The investor should note that the income from tax-free municipal bond funds may be subject to state and local taxation and the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Index definitions:

The Solactive United States 2000 Index intends to track the performance of the largest 1001 to 3000 companies from the United States stock market. Constituents are selected based on company market capitalization and weighted by free float market capitalization.

The Russell 3000 Index is a capitalization-weighted stock market index that seeks to be a benchmark of the entire U.S. stock market. It measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 96% of the investable U.S. equity market.

The S&P 500 Equal Weight Index is the equal-weight version of the widely-used S&P 500. The index includes the same constituents as the capitalization weighted S&P 500, but each company in the S&P 500 EWI is allocated a fixed weight of the index total at each quarterly rebalance.

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate pass-throughs), ABS and CMBS (agency and non-agency).

The Magnificent Seven stocks are a group of influential companies in the U.S. stock market: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Tesla.

The Magnificent 7 Index is an equal-dollar weighted equity benchmark consisting of a fixed basket of 7 widely-traded companies (Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Tesla) classified in the United States and representing the Communications, Consumer Discretionary and Technology sectors as defined by Bloomberg Industry Classification System (BICS).

The S&P Midcap 400 Index is a capitalization-weighted index which measures the performance of the mid-range sector of the U.S. stock market.

The S&P 500 index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities and serves as the foundation for a wide range of investment products. The index includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of available market capitalization.

Bonds are subject to interest rate risk, credit, call, liquidity and default risk of the issuer. Bond prices generally fall when interest rates rise.

Standard and Poor’s 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks. The index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The index was developed with a base level of 10 for the 1941–43 base period.

The Bloomberg Eco Surprise Index shows the degree to which economic analysts under- or over-estimate the trends in the business cycle. The surprise element is defined as the percentage difference between analyst forecasts and the published value of economic data releases.

The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance.

The NASDAQ 100 Index is a basket of the 100 largest, most actively traded U.S companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The index includes companies from various industries except for the financial industry, like commercial and investment banks. These non-financial sectors include retail, biotechnology, industrial, technology, health care, and others.

The Russell 2000 Index measures small company stock market performance. The index does not include fees or expenses.

We believe the information contained in this material to be reliable but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Opinions, estimates, and investment strategies and views expressed in this document constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author's judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.

All companies referenced are shown for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended as a recommendation or endorsement by J.P. Morgan in this context.

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Information presented on these webpages is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal and accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.

RISK CONSIDERATIONS

  • Past performance is not indicative of future results. You may not invest directly in an index.
  • The price of equity securities may rise or fall due to the changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Equity securities are subject to 'stock market risk' meaning that stock prices in general may decline over short or extended periods of time.
  • Investing in fixed income products is subject to certain risks, including interest rate, credit, inflation, call, prepayment and reinvestment risk. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to substantial gain or loss.
  • In general, the bond market is volatile and bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. Longer term securities are more prone to price fluctuation than shorter term securities. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to substantial gain or loss. Dependable income is subject to the credit risk of the issuer of the bond. If an issuer defaults no future income payments will be made.
  • When investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded and index funds, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with the funds before investing. You may obtain a fund’s prospectus by contacting your investment professional. The prospectus contains information, which should be carefully read before investing.
  • Investors should understand the potential tax liabilities surrounding a municipal bond purchase. Certain municipal bonds are federally taxed if the holder is subject to alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are federally taxable. The investor should note that the income from tax-free municipal bond funds may be subject to state and local taxation and the alternative minimum tax (amt).
  • International investments may not be suitable for all investors. International investing involves a greater degree of risk and increased volatility. Changes in currency exchange rates and differences in accounting and taxation policies outside the u.s. can raise or lower returns. Some overseas markets may not be as politically and economically stable as the united states and other nations. Investments in international markets can be more volatile.
  • Investments in emerging markets may not be suitable for all investors. Emerging markets involve a greater degree of risk and increased volatility. Changes in currency exchange rates and differences in accounting and taxation policies outside the u.s. can raise or lower returns. Some overseas markets may not be as politically and economically stable as the united states and other nations. Investments in emerging markets can be more volatile.
  • Investments in commodities may have greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, particularly if the instruments involve leverage. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Use of leveraged commodity-linked derivatives creates an opportunity for increased return but, at the same time, creates the possibility for greater loss.
  • Real estate investments trusts may be subject to a high degree of market risk because of concentration in a specific industry, sector or geographical sector. Real estate investments may be subject to risks including, but not limited to, declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and economic conditions, changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trust and defaults by borrower.
  • Investment in alternative investment strategies is speculative, often involves a greater degree of risk than traditional investments including limited liquidity and limited transparency, among other factors and should only be considered by sophisticated investors with the financial capability to accept the loss of all or part of the assets devoted to such strategies.
  • Structured products involve derivatives and risks that may not be suitable for all investors. The most common risks include, but are not limited to, risk of adverse or unanticipated market developments, issuer credit quality risk, risk of lack of uniform standard pricing, risk of adverse events involving any underlying reference obligations, risk of high volatility, risk of illiquidity/little to no secondary market, and conflicts of interest. Before investing in a structured product, investors should review the accompanying offering document, prospectus or prospectus supplement to understand the actual terms and key risks associated with the each individual structured product. Any payments on a structured product are subject to the credit risk of the issuer and/or guarantor. Investors may lose their entire investment, i.e., incur an unlimited loss. The risks listed above are not complete. For a more comprehensive list of the risks involved with this particular product, please speak to your J.P. Morgan team.
  • As a reminder, hedge funds (or funds of hedge funds) often engage in leveraging and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss. These investments can be highly illiquid, and are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors, and may involve complex tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information. These investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds; and often charge high fees. Further, any number of conflicts of interest may exist in the context of the management and/or operation of any such fund. For complete information, please refer to the applicable offering memorandum.
  • For informational purposes only -- J.P. Morgan Securities LLC does not endorse, advise on, transmit, sell or transact in any type of virtual currency. Please note: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC does not intermediate, mine, transmit, custody, store, sell, exchange, control, administer, or issue any type of virtual currency, which includes any type of digital unit used as a medium of exchange or a form of digitally stored value.
  • The prices and rates of return are indicative, as they may vary over time based on market conditions.
  • Additional risk considerations exist for all strategies.
  • The information provided herein is not intended as a recommendation of or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any investment product or service.
  • Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This material should not be regarded as investment research or a J.P. Morgan investment research report.

This material is for information purposes only, and may inform you of certain products and services offered by J.P. Morgan’s wealth management businesses, part of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“JPM”). The views and strategies described in the material may not be suitable for all investors and are subject to investment risks. Please read all Important Information.

GENERAL RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS. Any views, strategies or products discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to risks. Investors may get back less than they invested, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Asset allocation/diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Nothing in this material should be relied upon in isolation for the purpose of making an investment decision. You are urged to consider carefully whether the services, products, asset classes (e.g. equities, fixed income, alternative investments, commodities, etc.) or strategies discussed are suitable to your needs. You must also consider the objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with an investment service, product or strategy prior to making an investment decision. For this and more complete information, including discussion of your goals/situation, contact your J.P. Morgan team.

NON-RELIANCE. Certain information contained in this material is believed to be reliable; however, JPM does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability or completeness, or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. No representation or warranty should be made with regard to any computations, graphs, tables, diagrams or commentary in this material, which are provided for illustration/reference purposes only. The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed in this material constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. JPM assumes no duty to update any information in this material in the event that such information changes. Views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein may differ from those expressed by other areas of JPM, views expressed for other purposes or in other contexts, and this material should not be regarded as a research report. Any projected results and risks are based solely on hypothetical examples cited, and actual results and risks will vary depending on specific circumstances. Forward-looking statements should not be considered as guarantees or predictions of future events.

Nothing in this document shall be construed as giving rise to any duty of care owed to, or advisory relationship with, you or any third party. Nothing in this document shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by J.P. Morgan and/or its officers or employees, irrespective of whether or not such communication was given at your request. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transactions.

LEGAL ENTITY, BRAND & REGULATORY INFORMATION

In the United States, bank deposit accounts and related services, such as checking, savings and bank lending, are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

Bank deposit accounts and related services, such as checking, savings and bank lending, are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

This document may provide information about the brokerage and investment advisory services provided by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”). The agreements entered into with JPMS, and corresponding disclosures provided with respect to the different products and services provided by JPMS (including our Form ADV disclosure brochure, if and when applicable), contain important information about the capacity in which we will be acting. You should read them all carefully. We encourage clients to speak to their JPMS representative regarding the nature of the products and services and to ask any questions they may have about the difference between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the obligation to disclose conflicts of interests and to act in the best interests of our clients.

J.P. Morgan may hold a position for itself or our other clients which may not be consistent with the information, opinions, estimates, investment strategies or views expressed in this document. JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates may hold a position or act as market maker in the financial instruments of any issuer discussed herein or act as an underwriter, placement agent, advisor or lender to such issuer.