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Market Volatility Hits 5-Year High Amid Trump’s Tariff Turmoil

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Global stocks took another hit on Monday as President Donald Trump intensified his stance on tariffs, raising fears of a recession. Investors grappled with the fallout from the policy shift in a chaotic trading session, with volatility reaching levels unseen since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Facts

  • US stocks fell further on Monday, continuing last week’s heavy losses that erased trillions in market value.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 350 points (0.9%), the S&P 500 slipped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.1%.
  • At market open, losses were more dramatic: Dow fell 1,320 points (3.4%), S&P 500 dropped 3.9%, and Nasdaq lost 4.2%.
  • A brief rally occurred after unconfirmed reports suggested a temporary tariff suspension, pushing the S&P 500 up 6%, but stocks tumbled again after the White House dismissed the claim.
  • Since Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech on Wednesday, the Dow has fallen 10% (4,300 points), and both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have each dropped 11%.
  • Goldman Sachs warned of a possible recession if tariffs remain, while JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon cautioned that tariffs could drive inflation even higher.

Volatility Hits Pandemic-Era Highs

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)—a key measure of market uncertainty—closed at its highest level since April 2020, when stocks collapsed due to pandemic lockdowns. The VIX surged as S&P 500 swings widened between gains of 3.4% and losses of 4.7%.

Trump Pushes For Fed Rate Cuts

Despite market turmoil, Trump remained steadfast on tariffs. On Truth Social, he urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, falsely claiming, “There is no inflation.”

Economists widely agree that tariffs will worsen inflation, which already exceeds the Fed’s 2% target. The Federal Reserve held a closed-door meeting on Monday to discuss the situation.

Trump appeared unfazed by the stock crash, even sharing a post claiming he was intentionally triggering it.

Bear Market Watch

A bear market occurs when a stock index falls 20% or more from a recent high. Before these tariff-driven declines, the last bear market occurred in 2022, when inflation soared to a 40-year high, prompting aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

Biggest Stock Losers From Tariffs

Tech giants suffered major blows on Monday:

  • Apple fell 4%, adding to last week’s 15% decline.
  • Tesla dropped 3%, also down 15% since Thursday.

S&P 500 On The Edge Of A Bear Market

  • Nasdaq officially entered a bear market on Friday.
  • S&P 500 briefly fell over 20% from its February peak before paring losses to 18%.
  • Dow Jones is down 16% from its December record high, while the Nasdaq is down 23% from its peak.

Looking Ahead

With markets in turmoil and inflation concerns mounting, all eyes remain on the White House and the Federal Reserve as investors brace for more uncertainty in the weeks ahead.

Robust Meat Market Dynamics Ensure A Fully Stocked Easter Feast

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Meat supply increased ahead of Easter 2026, with prices remaining broadly stable despite higher seasonal demand, according to data from slaughterhouses and the Consumer Protection Service Price Observatory.  Market data show higher volumes of lamb and pork alongside limited price increases across key categories.

Strong Supply And Price Stability

Recent data indicate increased meat supply compared to the same period last year, supporting availability during peak demand. Higher volumes helped limit price increases across most product categories. Stable supply conditions contributed to controlled pricing despite seasonal pressure on demand.

Enhanced Competition With Greek Lamb Imports

Market supply was supported by the import of 4,000 lambs from Greece, increasing availability and competition. Additional supply contributed to price stability across lamb products. Domestic production adjusted as imports increased, with 2,105 fewer lambs processed locally on Great Tuesday compared to the previous year.

Dynamic Production Trends In Meat Processing

A total of 19,883 lambs were slaughtered over the past six days, marking a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. Pork production also increased, with 10,655 pigs processed versus 9,452 a year earlier, representing a 13% rise. Higher output across categories reflects increased supply ahead of the holiday period.

Price Adjustments In Key Meat Categories

The average price for locally sourced lamb reached €14.10 per kg, up 4.76% compared to last year. Pork prices declined, with tenderloin averaging €5.97 per kg (-4.47%) and neck cut €6.16 per kg (-1.62%). Poultry remained stable at €4.16 per kg, recording a marginal decrease of 0.05%, maintaining its position as the lowest-cost option.

Overall Cost Implications For The Festive Table

An indicative Easter table for eight people is estimated at €186.42 in 2026 for 19 basic products, compared to €179.36 in 2025, reflecting a 3.9% increase. Meat prices had a limited impact on the increase. Higher costs were driven by vegetables, with tomatoes rising by 81.73% and cucumbers by 42.24%. Prices for fresh potatoes and olive oil declined by 12% to 19%, partially offsetting overall costs.

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