Global Markets Drop on Tariff Concerns; Nvidia, Tesla Stocks Trade Lower | MarketReader Minute
Markets Plunge Amid Tariff Fears and Rising Inflation, Gold Surges as Recession Risks Heighten.
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Monday, March 31
Noteworthy macro moves today: Gold +1.3%. FTSE 100 Index (UK) -1.2%. CAC 40 Index (France) -1.7%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: Tesla Inc (TSLA) -5.6%. NVIDIA Corp (NVDA) -3.5%. Broadcom Inc (AVGO) -2.5%.
Recent market movements are heavily influenced by the impending announcement of reciprocal tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for April 2, which he has dubbed "Liberation Day." This broad tariff strategy is expected to target nearly all trading partners and raises concerns about escalating trade tensions that could negatively impact global economic growth. As a result, equity markets have reacted sharply; major indices in Asia and Europe experienced significant declines, with Japan's Nikkei falling over 4%, while European stocks also dropped amid fears of recession.
In addition to tariff-related anxieties, recent economic data releases further contribute to market volatility. Italy reported an increase in consumer price inflation reaching 2% year-on-year as of March—surpassing expectations—and Germany’s import prices rose at their fastest pace since January 2023 due primarily to higher costs across various categories including energy products. These developments suggest persistent inflationary pressures within key economies.
Gold has surged past $3,100 per ounce amidst this climate of uncertainty as investors seek safe-haven assets against potential stagflation risks stemming from Trump's policies and rising interest rates anticipated by analysts like Goldman Sachs who now project a heightened chance (upwards of 35%) for recession within the next year based on current macroeconomic indicators.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) [+1.5%]
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has seen its price rise by 1.5% in pre-market trading, coinciding with gold reaching new peaks above $3,120 per ounce amid escalating geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding upcoming U.S. tariffs. The yellow metal recently achieved an intra-day high of $3,128, driven by concerns over inflationary pressures from proposed tariffs on imported cars and auto parts. Notably, gold has gained nearly 19% in 2025, marking its best start since 1974, while gold ETFs experienced substantial inflows of $12 billion over the past two months. Additionally, the combined gold-bullion holdings of GLD and IAU are valued at approximately $131.4 billion, contrasting sharply with the S&P 500's market capitalization of around $51.4 trillion. The US 2Y Treasury Bond has also increased, reflecting broader market sentiment and historically correlating with movements in gold prices.
Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX) [-2.1%]
The Global X DAX Germany ETF has experienced a decline since Friday. The DAX Index opened 0.61% lower, down 136 points, driven by notable drops in major stocks such as Commerzbank, BASF, and Rheinmetall. The Germany Stock Market Index (DE40) has reached a five-week low, reflecting a significant decrease over the past month, although it remains up over the past year. Social media discussions highlighted European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde's comments on U.S. tariffs, which she termed a "wake-up call" for Europe's economic independence. Additionally, reports indicated that German retail sales exceeded forecasts, but rising import prices may pose inflation risks. Among the ETF's holdings, SAP and Deutsche Bank contributed negatively to performance, with both stocks showing losses.


MRNA | -10.8% | -1.1B
Moderna Inc | Biotechnology
Moderna Inc. has received approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration for its mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, mRESVIA, aimed at adults aged 60 and older. This approval is notable as it represents the first mRNA vaccine authorized in Australia for a disease beyond COVID-19, following positive Phase 3 trial results involving around 37,000 participants across 22 countries. Despite this milestone, shares of Moderna dropped significantly in pre-market trading, reportedly due to concerns regarding vaccine regulations after the ousting of a top FDA vaccine official. Additionally, social media discussions reflect a growing skepticism about the company's future and the vaccine market's stability, with users expressing concerns over potential health risks associated with spiked proteins from vaccines and questioning corporate strategies.
NVDA | -4.3% | -111.1B
NVIDIA Corp | Semiconductors
NVIDIA Corp's stock has dropped significantly, mirroring the broader market's downward trend. This decline occurs amid heightened market volatility due to the impending announcement of reciprocal tariffs, which could affect nearly all U.S. trading partners. Additionally, concerns surrounding CoreWeave's weak IPO have emerged, as the company's pricing and offering size were reduced, raising doubts about demand for NVIDIA's new chips. Social media discussions reflect bearish sentiment, with reports of significant put purchases and selling pressure, suggesting a potential decline if support levels are breached. Concurrently, the Nasdaq 100 Index has also declined, reinforcing the negative sentiment surrounding NVIDIA's price movement.
TSLA | -6.2% | -49.2B
Tesla Inc | Automobile Manufacturers
Tesla Inc's stock has dropped significantly, moving in tandem with the broader market, which is also experiencing declines. Concerns about the company's upcoming quarterly delivery figures are mounting, with expectations that vehicle deliveries will fall short of prior estimates. This unease is compounded by a backlash against CEO Elon Musk due to his political activities, leading to protests and boycotts that are reportedly affecting sales. Additionally, new registrations for Tesla vehicles in the U.S. have declined notably. Recent social media discussions highlight a fire at a Tesla dealership in Rome that destroyed multiple vehicles and claims of defects in many delivered cars. Furthermore, Tesla's sales performance shows a year-to-date decline, particularly in Europe, where sales have plummeted significantly. Analysts have revised their revenue estimates downward, reflecting heightened scrutiny on the company's operational strategies amid increasing competition and external pressures.
LPLA | -6.3% | -1.5B
LPL Financial Holdings Inc | Investment Banking & Brokerage
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. has proposed an underwritten public offering of 1.5 billion in common stock, with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC serving as the sole active book-running manager. This offering aims to fund part of the cash consideration for its acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network, valued at approximately 2.7 billion in cash. LPL will also provide underwriters a 30-day option to purchase an additional 225 million in common stock. The acquisition is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals, and is expected to significantly enhance LPL's assets under management, currently around 285 billion. Following the announcement of this acquisition, LPL Financial shares experienced a decline during premarket trading.
NVO | -3.0% | -6.6B
Novo Nordisk A/S | Pharmaceuticals
Novo Nordisk A/S has seen its stock price decline alongside the broader market, which is experiencing significant downward pressure. This market movement is largely attributed to the impending announcement of reciprocal tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, which has led to notable declines in global equity indices, particularly in Europe. In recent developments specific to Novo Nordisk, the company reported that Rybelsus demonstrated a 14% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes during the Soul trial. Additionally, Ozempic showed a 13% improvement in walking distance for patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Novo Nordisk also secured exclusive rights to Lexicon's LX9851, an oral obesity drug candidate, with potential milestone payments reaching $1 billion. The company recently went ex-dividend, distributing $1.099206 per share.
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