Dow Jones and S&P 500 Tumbles, Nasdaq Outperforms

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 index falls again as Gary Cohn resign as the White House Economic Adviser. On the other hand tech-laden Nasdaq once again proves that it is the index to beat in 2018 as it outperforms Dow Jones.

Worries about the possibility of a global trade war, provoked by Trump’s intend to present taxes on steel and aluminum imports, strengthened as Cohn had restricted the duty proposition and was broadly seen as including a directing impact inside the White House.

Because of a current spate of overwhelming circulation, or articulated institutional benefit taking, from Feb. 20 to March 1 in both the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, IBD’s present viewpoint keeps on remaining at “Uptrend under strain.”

Factors Behind Dow Jones and S&P 500 performance

Investors were apprehensive, fleeing resources seen as more hazardous after the news that Cohn’s is leaving his post. His choice to leave the part as the president’s best financial advisor adds to fears that Trump is embracing an undeniably protectionist position and could start a global trade war. That kind of contention could undermine the U.S. monetary development and corporate profit.

Will be making a decision soon on the appointment of new Chief Economic Advisor. Many people wanting the job – will choose wisely!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2018

Strategists views on market performance

According to some strategists Cohn’s resignation played a role in the markets performance but not that much. Being seen as the financial markets spokesman and voice of economic stability, leaving his post leaves the president with less contributing economic advisers. This may lead to more doubts into economic policy and increases the chances of policy actions like tariffs.

The market is sitting tight for more insights about the tariffs, however, the more specifics they are the greater the chance that investment partners will accompany a retaliatory reaction.

Having no corporate income news, and with weeks before the following Fed meeting, markets have more opportunity to respond to headline news from Washington.

Stocks that were given much attention

Shares in Autodesk Inc.-recovered 15% after the company posted final quarter net losses and revenue that outperformed the expectations.

H&R Block Inc. shares-rose to 12% after report on tax preparer shows a more than expected fiscal third quarter 2018 loss but quarterly income that came in this anticipation.

Shares in Dollar Tree Inc. -fell 15% after the retailer reported its revenue

Ross Stores Inc. -outperformed anticipations in final quarter sales and revenue in its results, but forecasted a pace that was slower than it was expected. The retailer’s stock fell to 6.4%.