The headquarters of Bank of Japan (BOJ) is seen in...

The headquarters of Bank of Japan (BOJ) is seen in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2023. Credit: AP/Shuji Kajiyama

Facing a global market meltdown, President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed down on his tariffs on most nations for 90 days but raised his tax rate on Chinese imports to 125%.

U.S. markets surged in response.

The S&P 500 was up 7.8% in afternoon trading. It had been down earlier in the morning amid worries about Trump’s trade war and whether it would cause a recession, as economists fear. But it spiked immediately after Trump sent the social media posting that investors have been waiting for. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 2,476 points, or 6.6%, as of 1:35 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 9% higher.

Investors have been desperate for Trump to ease up on his tariffs, which economists say could cause a global recession and increase inflation.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," take a lap with the Middle Country athletic director, Jonathan Ruban checks in with the Copiague flag football team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara, Steve Pfost; Morgan Campbell

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 31: 'Walk with Joe,' flag football and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," take a lap with the Middle Country athletic director, Jonathan Ruban checks in with the Copiague flag football team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," take a lap with the Middle Country athletic director, Jonathan Ruban checks in with the Copiague flag football team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara, Steve Pfost; Morgan Campbell

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 31: 'Walk with Joe,' flag football and more On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," take a lap with the Middle Country athletic director, Jonathan Ruban checks in with the Copiague flag football team and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

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