U.S. stock index futures bounced back Monday night after a chaotic trading session saw Wall Street swinging wildly on unconfirmed tariff-related rumors. Hopes of potential negotiation reprieves offered some relief to jittery investors.
As of 20:02 ET (00:02 GMT), S&P 500 Futures were up 1.1% at 5,151.50, Nasdaq 100 Futures rose 1.2% to 17,763.0, and Dow Jones Futures gained 1.3% to 38,650.0.
Earlier on Monday, an unverified post on X suggested President Donald Trump was considering a 90-day tariff pause for all countries except China, sparking a sharp recovery in stock prices. However, a quick White House denial reversed those gains, sending the markets downward again.
By session close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 349 points (-0.9%), the S&P 500 slipped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.1%. Adding to the tension, Trump reiterated threats of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing rolls back its retaliatory 34% duties by April 8.
Asia-Pacific markets rebound strongly
Amidst the global volatility, Japan’s Nikkei 225 led the charge in Asia, surging 1,114.45 points or 3.58% to close at 32,249.42. The Topix index also soared 5.53%, with Japan’s markets opening over 5% higher — one of the year’s strongest starts.
South Korea’s Kospi gained 2.26%, the Kosdaq climbed 2.35%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged 0.18% higher in early trade.
However, sentiment remained shaky in Hong Kong, where Hang Seng index futures signaled a weaker open at 19,653, following a historic 13% plunge on Monday — its worst one-day loss since 1997.
Markets remain on edge as global investors await clarity on U.S.-China trade dynamics in the days ahead.
