Wall Street’s primary indexes fluctuated on Tuesday due to signs of a further decline in consumer confidence, which tempered investor optimism about potential leniency in trade policies from the Trump administration. A Conference Board report revealed that the consumer confidence index dropped to 92.9 in March, lower than the expected 94, amid concerns about a global trade war impacting inflation and economic growth. President Trump suggested on Monday that not all proposed tariffs would be enforced by April 2, with some countries possibly receiving exemptions. However, uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff strategy continues to weigh on market sentiment, with the S&P 500 on track for annual declines. Additionally, Moody’s highlighted a persistent multiyear decline in U.S. fiscal strength. Tesla shares fell 1.7% following a 12% rally the previous day, with data showing a contraction in Tesla’s market share in Europe. Federal Reserve officials noted that interest rate policy remains restrictive, but progress on inflation has slowed. Market focus will shift to the personal consumption expenditures price index later in the week. — news from Reuters