Nasdaq 100: Tech Stocks Dip as Trump’s Tariff Plans Hit Market Sentiment

Nasdaq Futures Cool After Record Run, Tariff Concerns Emerge

Nasdaq 100 futures pulled back Friday following a strong rally, as traders reacted to news that former President Trump is pushing for sweeping tariffs on European Union goods. The move pressured U.S. indexes and cast a cloud over a market driven higher by robust earnings and economic optimism.

Will Trump’s Tariff Push Hit Tech-Led Momentum in Nasdaq 100?

The Nasdaq 100 E-mini futures dropped 0.31% to 23,179.50, pulling back from the recent record high of 23,320.75. The index has surged over 39% from its April low of 16,676.50, with rising support at 22,803.00 and the 50-day SMA sitting at 22,086.70. While the uptrend remains intact, geopolitical risk may now challenge further upside.

Reports from the Financial Times indicate Trump is demanding 15%-20% tariffs on all EU imports. The EU is rushing to strike a deal before the August 1 deadline, when Trump has threatened a 30% tariff imposition. Traders are watching whether this could dent consumer or corporate confidence.

What Does the VIX Tell Us About Trader Positioning?

The VIX (Volatility Index) edged slightly higher to 16.60 but remains under both its 50-day (18.30) and 200-day (19.66) moving averages. The drop from April’s high above 60 confirms that risk appetite remains strong, although the latest tariff chatter may be starting to stir short-term hedging demand.

Which Nasdaq Stocks Led Gains and Losses?

On the upside, Constellation Energy (CEG) climbed 4.29%, followed by gains in Marvell (MRVL), MercadoLibre (MELI), and Tesla (TSLA), each rising over 2%. Intel (INTC) also caught a bid, up nearly 1.9%, continuing its short-term recovery.

However, Netflix (NFLX) weighed on the broader Nasdaq after a 5.25% drop, extending post-earnings weakness. MicroStrategy (MSTR) sank 5.31%, followed by losses in Biogen (BIIB), Take-Two (TTWO), and AMD, all declining more than 1.5%.

Market Forecast: Can Strong Earnings Offset Trade Risks?

Despite Friday’s dip, the Nasdaq remains up 1.8% for the week, supported by 86% of S&P 500 companies beating earnings expectations so far. With inflation trends cooling and sentiment data improving, bulls still have room to run. However, any tariff escalation with Europe could introduce volatility into a market that’s largely been pricing in a soft-landing scenario.

Traders should monitor U.S.-EU trade headlines closely along with next week’s key earnings and PMI releases, which could drive the next move in indexes. Volatility levels remain low, but complacency around geopolitical risks may be tested if trade tensions escalate.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.