Tariff Turmoil, The Fear-Driven Selloff & The Best Investment Advice Ever

The Money Wise guys break down another tough week for the markets, with the Dow dropping 1,039 points (2.4%), the S&P 500 falling 184 points (3.1%), and the NASDAQ sliding 651 points (3.5%). Year-to-date, the Dow remains slightly positive (+0.6%), but the S&P 500 (-1.9%) and NASDAQ (-5.8%) have dipped further into negative territory. With the market entering a correction phase, the discussion turned to historical context—reminding listeners that pullbacks of 5-10% are normal and occur regularly. What makes this correction unique, however, is the overwhelming noise surrounding it, much of which stems from ongoing tariff debates and broader economic uncertainty. The guys note that market sentiment is increasingly driven by headlines, with investors reacting sharply to political narratives rather than fundamentals. Yet, just as quickly as fear has taken hold, a resolution to tariff disputes could send the market soaring again, making emotional reactions a risky approach to investing.

Expanding on investor sentiment, the team highlights CNN’s Greed and Fear Index, which currently signals "extreme fear" in the markets—mirroring the heightened anxiety seen among investors. They stress that while fear-driven selloffs can snowball, historical patterns show that markets tend to recover from corrections, often rebounding when uncertainty clears. The Federal Reserve’s stance remains that inflation from tariffs is likely a one-time price adjustment rather than a long-term concern, though skepticism lingers after past assurances that inflation would be "transitory." Ultimately, the guys urge investors to avoid emotional decision-making, resist the herd mentality, and focus on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term panic.

Tariff Turmoil

The ongoing tariff debate continues to fuel market volatility, with investors reacting to every new headline despite the lack of concrete long-term impacts. The guys point out that while tariffs have dominated the news cycle, their actual economic effects remain uncertain—especially since past tariffs under different administrations received little media attention. They argue that the market’s fixation on trade negotiations is more about political noise than financial fundamentals. A single announcement resolving disputes with Canada, Mexico, or China could trigger a massive market rally, yet many investors are making emotional decisions based on speculation rather than patience.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys share The Best Investment Advice Ever . You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.