US stock futures remained steady on Thursday after a volatile trading session ended on a positive note, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a one-month delay in tariffs targeting the automotive industry.
Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) and the S&P 500 (ES=F) stayed flat. Meanwhile, futures for the tech-heavy Nasdaq (NQ=F) saw a slight increase of 0.2%.
Trump Delays Auto Tariffs After Talks with Key Industry Leaders
President Trump revealed that he would delay tariffs on cars coming from Canada and Mexico for an additional month. This decision came after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with executives from General Motors (GM), Ford (F), and Stellantis (STLA). As a result, shares of these major automakers saw a rise and maintained steady levels after the market closed.
Uncertainty Ahead Despite Relief
While the delay provided temporary relief, uncertainty persists. The 25% tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico earlier this week remain in place, with no resolution in sight. Additionally, further tariff measures are scheduled to take effect in April, which could add more pressure on the markets.
Retail Industry Braces for Impact
Retailers have been adjusting their 2025 forecasts in response to tariff concerns. This Thursday, earnings reports from Macy’s (M), Kroger (KR), Costco (COST), and Gap (GAP) will shed more light on how ongoing trade tensions could affect the retail sector. The market will be closely watching these results for insight into the broader impact of the trade war.
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