Dow Jones Industrial Average declines ahead of FOMC Minutes release

• Dow Jones trades near 44,380 as investors await the Federal Reserve's January meeting minutes.
• Fed policymakers emphasized patience, removing language about inflation progress in their latest statement.
• US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), which measures the performance of 30 large-cap United States (US) stocks, is under pressure, trading around 44,380. Investors are awaiting the Federal Reserve's (Fed) January meeting minutes for insights into the central bank's stance on inflation and interest rates. Market sentiment weakened after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on key imports.

Daily digest market movers: Dow Jones slides as Fed minutes loom

• The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% but removed language suggesting inflation progress.
• Fed officials reiterated that patience is necessary before making any policy adjustments, emphasizing the need for more data.
• Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic signaled no rush to cut rates.
• Elsewhere, President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, effective by April.
• In addition, trade tensions rose as US-Russia peace talks on Ukraine stalled, with Trump blaming Ukraine for the lack of progress which contributed to a sour market mood.
• Market participants remain cautious ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes release.

DJIA Technical Analysis

The Dow Jones has slipped below the 20-day SMA at 44,580, reinforcing bearish momentum. Sellers are gaining ground as uncertainty over Federal Reserve policy and trade tensions weigh on sentiment. A sustained move below 44,350 could accelerate declines while buyers need a recovery above 44,600 to regain control.