Investors Reassess 'Brand USA' After 100 Days of Trump's Policies

In the first 100 days of President Trump's new term, U.S. financial markets experienced significant volatility, with the S&P 500 falling around 8% and the dollar index declining by about 9%. The administration's aggressive tariff policies and unpredictable communication style have unsettled investors and prompted some to diversify away from American assets, with increased focus on international markets. Financial advisors and business owners report that tariffs have raised costs for key industries like agriculture and construction, impacting budgets and forcing adjustments in supply strategies. While some market rallies were observed due to optimism over trade negotiations, concerns persist about the long-term reliability of the U.S. as a trade partner and the potential damage to its economic reputation. Experts warn that ongoing policy uncertainty and criticism of the Federal Reserve have contributed to market instability, leading investors to question the sustainability of any recovery. The broader consensus is that the effects of Trump’s early policies have left investors and businesses navigating a more uncertain and volatile economic landscape.