Trump's first 100 days bring steepest stock market losses since the 1970s and Nixon era
S&P 500 plunges nearly 8% in Trump's first 100 days, worst since 1970s (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency have delivered the worst start for the stock market in decades, according to data from CFRA Research, reports NBC News.
Historically, the S&P 500 climbs by an average of 2.1% in the initial 100 days of a new president, but under Trump, the index has plunged 7.9% since Inauguration Day.
This marks the steepest early decline since 1973, when the Nixon administration's economic policies led to a nearly 10% drop and a deep recession.
In contrast, Trump's election sparked a surge of optimism — between Election Day and Inauguration, the S&P 500 rose 3.7%, fueled by hopes for tax cuts and deregulation from a business-minded president.
However, this rally quickly fizzled as Trump began implementing aggressive trade policies and other campaign promises that rattled investors.
Tariff turmoil triggers a market slide
The most dramatic selloff came in April, when the S&P 500 tumbled 10% in just two days after Trump announced sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs — a move that briefly sent the market into bear territory.
Although the administration soon paused some tariffs for further negotiation, uncertainty continued to weigh on sentiment.
"Everyone's looking for this bottom here," said Jeffrey Hirsch, editor of the Stock Trader's Almanac.
"I'm still thinking it's a bear market rally, a near term bounce kind of thing. I’m not convinced we're out of the woods yet, with the lack of clarity and continuing uncertainty in Washington."
The S&P 500, which peaked at 6,144.15 in February, ended last week at 5,525.21, wiping out all post-election gains.
Trump's approval rating hits historic low after 100 days as White House promises new initiatives
Donald Trump, President of the United States (Photo: Getty Images)
Donald Trump's approval rating after 100 days in office has dropped to just 39% — the lowest for any US president in the past eighty years.
Most Americans disapprove of his economic policies, fearing rising prices and a possible recession amid trade wars and cuts to government support.
Meanwhile, the White House is summing up the first 100 days and announcing new steps: signing international agreements, pushing for bureaucratic reforms, and advancing peace talks on Ukraine. Officials hint at upcoming sanctions against Russia, even as a breakthrough to end the war remains elusive.
