What fueled this aggressive rally?
Before the tariff pause was revealed, markets were already recovering from early-session volatility. Stocks moved higher after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced he would lead the next phase of tariff negotiations. Traders also took note of Trump’s early morning remarks calling it “a great time to buy,” helping shift sentiment.
The announcement marked a sharp turn in tone following escalating tensions between the U.S., China, and the European Union. The EU had approved retaliatory tariffs set to begin April 15, contributing to a sharp drawdown earlier this week. Over the prior four sessions, the Dow dropped more than 4,500 points, the S&P 500 slid 12%, and the Nasdaq Composite lost over 13%.
Which stocks led the recovery?
Tech and consumer giants, some of the hardest hit during the tariff turmoil, led the rebound. Apple rose 7%, while Nvidia jumped 10%. Walmart, often viewed as a…
