Nasdaq Plummets as Trade Tensions Frighten Markets

Nasdaq led a major selloff among Wall Street indexes, dropping nearly 4% in response to fears of an economic slowdown resulting from escalating tariff wars. Key technology stocks, including Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, were major contributors to the downturn. Wall Street's fear gauge also reached new highs.

The Nasdaq led a significant selloff in Wall Street's main indexes on Monday, plummeting nearly 4% to reach a six-month low. This sharp decline was fueled by mounting fears that a tit-for-tat tariff war could precipitate an economic slowdown.

Key technology stocks, including Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, saw declines ranging from 3% to 5%, emerging as the largest contributors to Nasdaq's downturn. The broader market also experienced significant losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 323.95 points, or 0.76%, and the S&P 500 losing 114.16 points, or 1.99%.

CBOE's volatility index, often referred to as Wall Street's fear gauge, spiked by over 3.12 points, reaching 13 points – its highest level since December 18. As trading continued, the Nasdaq Composite had lost 665.79 points, or 3.66%, further underscoring investor nervousness over the potential economic impacts of the escalating trade tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)