US stock markets closed lower on Thursday as investors braced for new tariffs set to take effect Friday, with key sectors like health and real estate leading declines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 330 points (0.74%), while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.37% and 0.03%, respectively.
Nine of 11 S&P 500 sectors closed in negative territory, with health care plunging 2.79% and real estate down 1.73%. Communication services and utilities bucked the trend, rising 2.08% and 0.59%.
Market volatility intensified after former US President Donald Trump confirmed tariffs would proceed as scheduled, alongside new trade agreements. A 90-day extension of existing tariff rates with Mexico provided limited relief.
Analysts note the moves reflect growing uncertainty over trade policy shifts and their potential ripple effects across global supply chains. Investors are closely monitoring how these developments may impact Asia's export-driven economies and cross-border investment flows.
