Wall Street Drops Sharply Amid Concerns Over Sputtering U.S. Economy

Wall Street faced another volatile session as major indexes fell following fresh signals that the U.S. economy is showing signs of weakness. The S&P 500 futures dropped 0.3%, Nasdaq futures slid 0.5%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hovered narrowly above flat despite high investor anxiety.

The market downturn was triggered by worse-than-expected economic data, including a discouraging gross domestic product report and signs of slowing job growth among private employers. These reports have compounded concerns that ongoing trade tensions and tariff policies are weighing heavily on economic activity and consumer sentiment.

This latest wave of uncertainty has resulted in historic swings across financial markets, with the S&P 500 at one point approaching 20% below its all-time high earlier in the year. If current trends continue, April could close as the worst month for stocks since the Great Depression. The market, however, has seen some offsetting support from stronger-than-expected profits at a few major U.S. companies, though negative outlooks from technology and AI sectors—including a sharp drop in Super Micro Computer shares after disappointing forecasts—have deepened the sell-off mood.

Globally, the volatility has spread, with European and Asian markets recording modest, mixed moves. Investor nerves remain frayed, awaiting clearer signals on the direction of trade policy and further economic data to assess whether the U.S. might be headed for a recession or simply enduring a rough patch.