Stocks slump yet again as fears grow about tariffs — and a recession
U.S. stock markets fell again on Monday as investors grew increasingly fearful about tariffs — and a potential recession.
Wall Street was already coming off a volatile, negative week digesting the potential impact of new U.S. tariffs — and mounting whiplash from how President Trump has implemented, and then delayed, some of them.
By the end of last week, the major U.S. indices had each dropped by more than 2% for the week. The S&P 500 fell 3.1% — its largest decline since September.
Then, in a weekend interview with Fox News, Trump didn’t rule out the possibility of a recession.
“I hate to predict things like that,” Trump told Fox News. “There is a period of transition, because what we’re doing is very big. We’re bringing wealth back to America.”
In contrast, Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, told NBC’s Meet the Press that there was “no chance” of a recession.
But by midday Monday, U.S. investors appeared more worried than reassured.
The Dow was down about 500 points, or 1.2%, in midday Monday trading. The S&P 500 fell by another 2.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq slumped more than 3.3%.
Taiwan’s president pledges to defend island’s sovereignty after Chinese military drills
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to defend the self-ruled island's sovereignty in the face of what he termed China's "expansionist ambitions," days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores.
Deaths reported during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy
The protests began due to economic pressures, with Iran's currency rapidly depreciating. Demonstrators have also chanted against the country's theocracy.
Congress failed to extend Obamacare subsidies. This Democrat says Trump can save them
Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., says he thinks the Senate can pass a "retroactive" Affordable Care Act subsidy extension, but "we need President Trump."
Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1
Every new year, public media reporters across the country bring us some of the new state laws taking effect where they are. Here are six in 2026.
Guides to help you tackle your New Year’s resolutions
From building your strength to tackling credit card debt, NPR's Life Kit has a newsletter journey to help you tackle your New Year's resolution.
Guides to help you tackle your New Year’s resolutions
From building your strength to tackling credit card debt, NPR's Life Kit has a newsletter journey to help you tackle your New Year's resolution.
