President Donald Trump’s return to office marked the worst start for stocks since President Richard Nixon’s second term in 1973. The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) tumbled 7.9% through April 25, compared to the historical average 2.1% gain for presidents’ first 100 days.
Market volatility surged as investors navigated Trump’s aggressive trade policies. The Cboe Volatility Index ($VIX) hit a five-year high in April, while currency and bond markets also experienced turbulence. The dollar index plummeted 9% - its worst-ever performance for a president’s initial months - suggesting investor skepticism toward U.S. assets.
