US markets registered losses in the opening session of the week on Monday, April 21, amidst the absence of European markets, which were closed for the Easter holiday. The impact of the trade war and tariffs continued, along with rising market concerns about Trump’s interference in the independence of the Federal Reserve, following the US president’s statements last week.
Trump indicated in his statements to reporters on Friday that Powell should cut interest rates as inflation declines. Some reports indicated that the US president and his team are continuing to explore the possibility of dismissing Federal Reserve Chairman Powell, a matter that raised market concerns about the independence of the central bank and the possibility of the president controlling its decisions, which would constitute a new blow to US assets.
In terms of stock movement, Nvidia shares led the Dow Jones index, falling 4.5% amid news that Chinese company Huawei will begin massive shipments of artificial intelligence chips next month. Tesla shares led the Nasdaq, losing more than 6% after Barclays Bank lowered its target for the stock. This week, US markets are awaiting the announcement of corporate and financial results, led by Tesla, Alphabet, Boeing, and Verizon, in addition to more than 100 companies set to announce their results this week.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down approximately (971) points at 38,170, a loss of approximately 2.48%, while the S&P 500 index closed down approximately (124) points, or 2.36%, at 5,158. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 415 points, closing at 15,870, a loss of approximately 2.55%.

Asian Markets
Asian indices were mixed at the close of trading on Tuesday, April 22nd, the opening session of the week. Japan’s Nikkei index declined, while most Chinese stocks rose after a warning from the US this morning to countries that would agree to a trade deal with the United States. Markets are also closely monitoring the meeting between the Japanese and US finance ministers on the sidelines of the tariff agreement. This is expected to significantly impact the markets, especially with the yen rising to its highest level in six months.
Conversely, data from China showed that exports from the world’s second-largest economy held up in April despite the tariffs imposed. Trade data showed that Chinese ports processed 6.3 million containers in the seven months ending April 20, a 10% increase compared to the previous week. The Nikkei index closed at 34,220, down 0.17%, or 59 points, while the Topix index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange rose by approximately 0.13%, closing at 2,532. Hino Motors shares led the index’s gains, rising by approximately 5.76%, while Mitsubishi shares rose by more than 3%.
Chinese indices were mixed today, with the broader CSI300 index falling by approximately 0.02%, closing at 3,783. The Shanghai Composite index of the Shanghai Stock Exchange closed up by 0.25%, closing at 3,299. The banking index led the way, rising by approximately 0.7%, amid expectations of continued Chinese government support for markets and a recovery in consumption.
The Hang Seng Index, the main index of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, rose by approximately 0.78%, closing at 21,562. CSPC Pharmaceutical shares led the index’s gains, rising by more than 8%. Shares of JD.com and Meituan fell more than 7% today amid a trade dispute between China’s two largest food delivery companies. This has raised investor concerns about the impact of this conflict on the two companies’ earnings per share, as both companies have launched significant discounts to attract consumers. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Kospi index fell by about 0.07% in today’s session, closing at 2,486 points.