Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Stumble Into Month-End as Trump Tariff Threat & Jobs Data Hang Over Markets

Wall Street's major indices limped into August's close—tariff jitters and employment figures looming like a double-barreled shotgun pointed at risk appetite.

Markets Brace for Impact

Investors scrambled to reposition as former President Trump's trade war rhetoric resurfaced, threatening fresh import taxes. The S&P 500's August gains now hinge on whether Friday's jobs report delivers labor market whiplash.

Crypto Outperforms (Again)

While traditional markets wobbled, Bitcoin held above $60K—another reminder that decentralized assets don't care about political posturing or NFP prints. Traders shifted allocations toward hard assets, because nothing says 'hedge' like monetary policy uncertainty and the specter of 1970s-style stagflation.

Closing thought: If 'sell in May and go away' worked this year, August's volatility just billed you for the return taxi fare.