A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after stocks gave back some of the gains from the previous day as the White House clarified the tariffs on imports from China would add up to 145%, while the baseline 10% tariffs remained in place for most countries. This reminded markets that the global trade environment remained volatile, limiting the potential for sustained gains.
While the tariff situation has created a great deal of uncertainty and stock prices have crashed in tow, one silver lining is that dividend yields have at least ticked up.
Shares of parcel delivery company UPS (NYSE:UPS)
fell 8.7% in the afternoon session after President Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs" on all US imports, set at a minimum rate of 10%. From clothing brands and electronics makers to the e-commerce sites that move their goods, companies built on global supply chains took the biggest hit.
Stocks with heavy exposure to Asia were especially hard-hit, as the new tariffs threatened the growth and profits of firms with factories in the region. Vietnam, central to many companies' production plans, faced a 46% tariff. Cambodia and Indonesia were also in the crosshairs, with tariff rates of 49% and 32%. These measures could significantly erode the competitiveness of goods produced in those regions. For example, reduced production volumes would negatively affect the sales growth of all companies benefiting from these manufacturing hubs.
Looking back on air freight and logistics stocks’ Q4 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ:CHRW) and its peers.
Over the past six months, United Parcel Service’s shares (currently trading at $110) have posted a disappointing 17.5% loss while the S&P 500 was down 1.7%. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.
