U.S. Stocks Decline as Trade Talks with China Falter

U.S. stock markets experienced a downturn at the start of trading on Friday, driven by renewed tensions in trade negotiations between the United States and China. Reports highlighting the stalled talks contributed to a cautious mood among investors, leading to declines across major indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped to 42,213 points, shedding approximately 10 points, or less than 0.1%. The S&P 500 fell to 5,892 points, down about 19 points, or 0.4%. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite saw a steeper drop, closing at 19,032 points after losing roughly 152 points, or 0.8%.

The market’s reaction reflects growing concerns over the deteriorating U.S.-China trade relationship, which has been strained by recent tariff escalations and diplomatic friction. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the challenges, stating that trade talks between the two nations had “hit a snag.” He emphasized the need for a direct phone call between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart to reinvigorate the negotiations and move them forward. As investors brace for potential further disruptions, the uncertainty surrounding these talks continues to weigh heavily on market sentiment, with fears of broader economic repercussions looming.