U.S. Stocks Open Lower Amid Tariff Threats; Treasury Hints at Trade Deals

U.S. equities edged lower at Monday's open as investors weighed escalating tariff rhetoric against potential trade breakthroughs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 100 points (-0.25%), while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declined 0.35% and 0.6% respectively. Market nerves stem from President Trump's renewed threats of 10% tariffs on BRICS-aligned nations, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent simultaneously signaling imminent trade agreements.

Bessent's dual messaging created crosscurrents - confirming August 1 implementation of previously announced tariffs while promising "several big announcements" on new trade deals this week. The contradictory signals left markets searching for direction, with risk assets broadly softening as the July 9 tariff deadline looms.