In this Friday morning market update, Stephen Whiteside analyzes the impact of the President’s recent economic decisions, including the largest tax hike in U.S. history, and how global markets are reacting. He highlights the decline in major U.S. indices, small-cap stocks leading the downturn, and the continued strength in gold despite volatile trading. The Russell 2000, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 are all posting significant losses, while the TSX remains more resilient. Volatility has surged, with the VIX up over 15%, signaling a strong “risk-off” sentiment in the market.
Whiteside further examines sector performance, noting that semiconductors, energy stocks, and regional banks are experiencing sharp declines. He advises traders to take profits on winning positions while cautioning against assuming an imminent rebound. Additionally, he covers the steep drop in crude oil prices, the underperformance of Canadian tech stocks, and how leveraged ETFs are benefiting from the market sell-off. He closes with insights on the broader market trends, reinforcing the importance of stock market timing strategies.
Stephen Whiteside
Friday, April 4, 2025
