The New York Stock Exchange saw a flurry of activity as traders took in President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on nearly every country in the world, including tiny Antarctic islands inhabited by penguins and seals. One veteran trader, Peter Tuchman, described the scene as “an ocean whose glassy surface belied the currents swirling dangerously below.” A 40-year NYSE veteran, Tuchman had never seen anything like this before, with the S&P 500 flat for the day despite a high VIX, or Fear Index. Tuchman’s concerns echoed those of many, who were worried about their 401(k) values plummeting.
The shift to Trump-era politics has transformed the NYSE, which was previously aligned with conservative and pro-business views. A booth in one firm now displays MAGA hats on hooks, with TRUMP emblazoned on mouse pads, sparking unease among some traders.
Source: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trump-tariffs-capitalism-global-us-economy-stock-market-wall-street.html