Institutional Model

Commentary

Tariffs turn market sentiment historically bearish

Staying the course, rather than acting on impulse, has often been the right move historically.

By: Denise Chisholm

Updated: 4/3/2025

Key Takeaways

By one measure, economic fears related to recent U.S. tariff announcements recently pushed equity market sentiment to its most bearish level in more than 30 years.
Still, the global economy continues to expand, according to the Fidelity Asset Allocation Research team.
In the past, staying the course in U.S. stocks amid a period of extreme bearishness often has been the right move: Sentiment extremes have tended to resolve with an upward price move for equity markets within six to 12 months.

Get the full white paper

Tariffs turn market sentiment historically bearish

Next steps to consider

Asset Class Overview

Explore strategies and custom solutions across asset classes, designed to help you face your most complex challenges head on.

Learn more

Outsourced CIO

Explore outsourced CIO solutions tailored to your needs, powered by Fidelity’s deep investment capabilities and proprietary research.

Learn more

Custom Investment Solutions

Discover how our investment solutions can be tailored to meet your unique goals and objectives.

Learn more

For important information, see the full linked content.

1198727.2

8FF7BE4D82E848359BB27BE5B8E859ED

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This information is intended for the sole use of institutional investors. Retail investors and any other persons who are not institutional investors should not act or rely on this information.

Unless otherwise expressly disclosed to you in writing, the information provided in this material is for educational purposes only. Any viewpoints expressed by Fidelity are not intended to be used as a primary basis for your investment decisions and are based on facts and circumstances at the point in time they are made and are not particular to you. Accordingly, nothing in this material constitutes impartial investment advice or advice in a fiduciary capacity, as defined or under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, both as amended. Fidelity and its representatives may have a conflict of interest in the products or services mentioned in this material because they have a financial interest in the products or services and may receive compensation, directly or indirectly, in connection with the management, distribution, and/or servicing of these products or services, including Fidelity funds, certain third-party funds and products, and certain investment services. Before making any investment decisions, you should take into account all of the particular facts and circumstances of your or your client’s individual situation and reach out to an investment professional, if applicable.

Registered investment products (including mutual funds and ETFs) and collective investment trusts managed by Fidelity Management Trust Company (FMTC) are offered by Fidelity Distributors Company LLC (FDC LLC), a registered broker-dealer. Fidelity Institutional Asset Management (FIAM) investment management services and products are managed by the Fidelity Investments companies of FIAM LLC, a U.S. registered investment adviser, or Fidelity Institutional Asset Management Trust Company, a New Hampshire trust company. FIAM products and services may be presented by FDC LLC, a non-exclusive financial intermediary affiliated with FIAM and compensated for such services.