President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office marked a rough ride for the U.S. stock market, making it the worst start to a presidential term since the early 1970s.
According to data from CFRA Research, the S&P 500 index fell by 7.9% from January 20, when Trump was inaugurated, to April 25. This performance ranks as the second-worst 100-day start for a president, trailing only behind Richard Nixon’s second term.
How Trump’s First 100 Days Compare to History
Regularly, the U.S. stock advertise sees a positive boost amid the primary few months of a modern administration. Information from CFRA appears that, on normal, the S&P 500 rises about 2.1% amid the primary 100 days of a president’s term, based on postelection a long time between 1944 and 2020.
In any case, Trump’s early residency bucked that slant drastically.
Nixon’s Troubled Legacy and Stock Market Crash
The as it were president with a more awful 100-day begin than Trump was Richard Nixon. In 1973, Nixon’s approaches pointed at battling expansion driven to a retreat that kept going until 1975. The S&P 500 dove 9.9% amid the starting of Nixon’s moment term.
Nixon’s ruin was afterward compounded by the scandalous Watergate embarrassment, which constrained his acquiescence in 1974.
Table: S&P 500 Performance in the First 100 Days
| President | Year | S&P 500 Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Nixon | 1973 | -9.9% | Recession triggered by inflation-control measures |
| Donald Trump | 2025 | -7.9% | Trade fears and tariff policies |
| Historical Average | 1944-2020 | +2.1% | Average across various presidents |
A Dramatic Shift from Election Euphoria
Interests, the stock advertise responded exceptionally emphatically to Trump’s triumph in November.
From Decision Day to Introduction Day, the S&P 500 picked up 3.7%, fueled by tall trusts that Trump’s business-friendly approaches, assess changes, and deregulation guarantees would boost the economy.
Financial specialists at first cheered Trump’s plan, pushing markets to all-time highs. In any case, this good faith blurred rapidly once Trump moved center after taking office.
What Went Wrong in the First 100 Days?
Instead of promptly seeking after assess cuts or large-scale deregulation, Trump prioritized other disputable campaign guarantees.
His forceful exchange position, in specific, caught Divider Road off watch.
In April, Trump declared a set of “complementary” taxes, starting fears of a full-blown exchange war. This sudden move driven to a swift 10% dive within the S&P 500 over fair two exchanging days, incidentally pushing the advertise into bear region.
Whereas Trump afterward mellowed his duty approach—granting a 90-day window for renegotiations—the starting harm shook financial specialist certainty.
Growing Concerns Over Recession Risks
The early stock showcase turmoil raised cautions that Trump’s exchange arrangements might increment inflationary weights, possibly tipping the U.S. economy into a retreat.
Jeffrey Hirsch, editor of the Stock Trader’s Chronicle, voiced concerns over the market’s delicate state:
“Everyone’s looking for this bottom here. I’m still thinking it’s a bear market rally, a near-term bounce kind of thing. I’m not convinced we’re out of the woods yet, with the lack of clarity and continuing uncertainty in Washington.”
Many investors remain worried that without clear economic strategies, the downside risks could outweigh any temporary market rebounds.
Why the Market’s Reaction Matters
The stock advertise frequently acts as a indicator for trade estimation and customer certainty.
A sharp decrease within the to begin with 100 days of a administration not as it were marks speculator portfolios but moreover signals potential inconvenience ahead for broader financial development.
Trump’s volatile start reflects the delicate balance required between bold policymaking and market stability.
If economic uncertainty continues to rise, more dramatic market swings could follow, potentially threatening long-term U.S. growth prospects.
Conclusion: A Warning Sign for the Future?
Donald Trump’s first 100 days show how quickly market sentiment can turn from hope to fear.
Although his initial election win sparked optimism, the early months of his presidency rattled investors, creating the worst start for the S&P 500 since the Nixon era.
As Trump’s administration continues to evolve, Wall Street and Main Street alike will be watching closely.
Will he course-correct toward policies that boost confidence, or will further turmoil define his economic legacy?
Only time—and careful leadership—will tell.
