Markets Slide on Tariff Concerns and Economic Uncertainty

U.S. stock futures point to a lower opening as global markets react to President Trump's trade policies, Federal Reserve projections, and corporate earnings reports.

U.S. stock futures indicate a lower opening, with the Nasdaq Composite on track for its fifth consecutive weekly loss, the longest since May 2022.
President Trump's upcoming April 2 tariff announcements continue to fuel market uncertainty, with potential economic impacts causing investor caution.
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady but projected two rate cuts for 2025, citing slower growth and persistent inflation concerns.
Safe-haven assets like gold and oil remain strong, with gold near record highs and oil prices supported by geopolitical tensions and OPEC+ output cuts.
Corporate earnings reflect mixed outcomes: Darden Restaurants reported strong growth, while Accenture and FedEx faced stock declines due to economic uncertainties.