Wall Street is experiencing significant losses, with the S&P 500 down 1% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 340 points as of midday trading. This marks the worst week for stocks since 2022. The U.S. Labor Department’s recent jobs report showed an increase of 151,000 jobs, slightly below expectations, fueling concerns about economic growth. The uncertainty around President Trump’s tariffs has affected business and consumer confidence, contributing to market volatility. The bond market reacted with yields falling, indicating investor concerns about economic growth. Companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Costco saw their stocks drop due to weaker-than-expected earnings, while Walgreens Boots Alliance surged after agreeing to be acquired by Sycamore Partners. Internationally, German stocks fell 1.8%, and Asian markets also saw declines following China’s slower-than-expected trade data. — news from The Associated Press
