Core Viewpoint - U.S. markets experienced a significant decline due to renewed fears of a U.S.-China trade dispute, leading to broad-based selling across major indexes, particularly affecting tech and growth stocks [2][3][6]. Market Performance - The S&P 500 closed down 2.32% at $655.60 after hitting a day low of $654.12, with nearly 80% of its constituents finishing in the red [5]. - The NASDAQ Composite Index fell 2.91% to $592.95, reflecting heavy selling pressure in large growth and technology stocks [7][8]. - The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 1.56% to $456.28, indicating broad weakness even among traditionally resilient blue-chip stocks [9][10]. Investor Sentiment - Investor sentiment turned risk-averse due to the potential for increased tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly critical materials, leading to a rotation from equities to safer assets [6]. - The VIX, or "fear index," spiked over 15% intraday, highlighting the market's sensitivity to geopolitical developments [4]. Sector Impact - Technology, industrials, and consumer discretionary sectors were the hardest hit, with the tech-heavy NASDAQ showing one of its worst single-day performances in recent memory [3][8]. - The overall market's vulnerability to geopolitical shocks was underscored by the significant declines across all major sectors [6].