Over $4 trillion in U.S. market value has vanished in less than a month as tariff policies under the new administration trigger widespread investor unease, according to a CGTN survey of 7,875 global respondents. The poll, spanning English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms, underscores deepening skepticism about Washington's trade strategies and their global ripple effects.
Nearly 87% of participants criticized recent remarks by the U.S. president dismissing stock market volatility as a distraction, viewing them as an effort to minimize tariffs' economic damage. This follows new 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, which amplified market turbulence and accelerated sell-offs in tech stocks.
Goldman Sachs' revised 2025 U.S. GDP forecast—lowered from 2.4% to 1.7%—adds credence to concerns. Over 85% of respondents fear the 'America First' agenda risks derailing global economic recovery, while 76% interpret the market slump as a potential recession signal. "Taxing all foreign products backfires universally," noted one respondent, echoing worries about policies that 70.6% believe could harm both U.S. and global growth.
With 86.8% linking the stock plunge to eroded investor confidence, analysts warn that domestic economic strains could soon test international markets. As trade tensions escalate, the survey highlights a critical juncture for policymakers balancing protectionism with global interdependence.
