Stock Market Today: Major Indexes End Sharply Lower Amid Tariff Uncertainty, AI Disruption; Dow Sheds 800 Points

Investopedia • February 23, 2026 • business

Key Points:

Economist Adam Posen predicts inflation will surge to 4% by the end of 2026, diverging from most experts who expect inflation to cool from the current 2.4% annual rate. His forecast is based on underlying economic trends despite being an outlier.
President Donald Trump raised the global tariff from 10% to 15%, creating uncertainty about future tariffs and their economic impact, which has contributed to a weak job market in 2025 due to employer caution.
The Clarity Act, aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies, faces delays due to disagreements over stablecoin regulations, dampening hopes for a crypto market recovery as Bitcoin prices fall to year-low levels.
Nvidia is expected to report strong Q4 earnings with a