US stock futures crash today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq sink more than 1.5% each - Gold and silver prices touch levels unseen before as Trump’s Greenland tariff threat rattles markets

Market Reaction - U.S. stock futures experienced a significant decline, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropping 722 points (1.46%) to 48,825.00, S&P 500 futures falling 109.75 points (1.57%) to 6,867.00, and Nasdaq-100 futures decreasing 475.75 points (1.85%) to 25,213.25 [1][3][26] - The sell-off was triggered by President Trump's announcement of tariffs on European imports, starting at 10% on February 1 and escalating to 25% by June 1, unless NATO allies support the U.S. acquisition of Greenland [1][3][26] Tariff Implications - The European Union is considering retaliatory tariffs amounting to approximately $108 billion and may activate an anti-coercion mechanism that could restrict U.S. companies' access to European markets [1][3][26] - Analysts warn that such actions could lead to forced selling of U.S. assets, with potential exposure estimated at $8 trillion across various asset classes [1][3][26] Investor Behavior - Investors are moving towards safe-haven assets, with gold prices rising 2.95% to $4,731.00 and silver reaching record highs near $95 [2][20][24] - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs is causing concerns about rising import prices and inflation, which could complicate central bank policies and delay rate cuts [6][12][25] Bond Market Dynamics - The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield increased to nearly 4.3%, while the 30-year yield approached 4.9%, reflecting a global bond sell-off [9][28] - Rising yields are raising borrowing costs across the economy, impacting mortgage rates, corporate loans, and equity valuations [11][28] Earnings Season Concerns - The timing of the market downturn coincides with a busy earnings calendar, with major companies set to report results, raising concerns about demand and pricing power [13][19] - Consensus estimates suggest S&P 500 earnings growth could be around 12% to 15% this year, but strategists caution that escalating trade tensions could pose significant downside risks [14][19] Commodity Market Signals - Commodity markets indicate a risk-off sentiment, with gold and silver prices reflecting strong demand amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties [20][24] - Oil prices are under pressure, with Brent crude hovering near $64 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate trading below $60, as fears of a global economic slowdown weigh on demand [22][25]