Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Bitcoin Drop on Nvidia Impact, Trump Tariffs

• Bitcoin retreats amid Nvidia restrictions, trade tensions
• Dow Jones, Nasdaq fall on export fears
• Gold hits record high as main store of value

US stock markets fell sharply on Wednesday (16), pressured by new restrictions imposed on chipmaker Nvidia and rising trade tensions between the United States and China. The SP 500 fell more than 1,4%, while the Dow Jones lost around 0,8% (more than 300 points). The Nasdaq, which concentrates technology companies, fell more than 2,3%.

Nvidia Corp.'s shares fell as much as 8% in after-hours trading on Tuesday after it reported potential losses of $5,5 billion due to restrictions on H20 chip exports to China. The company's shares were down 6% before the U.S. market opened on Wednesday, reflecting investor concern about the impact of the new trade restrictions.

These movements affect not only traditional markets, but also the cryptocurrency market, which was trading lower during the same period. Bitcoin (BTC) lost the $86 support reached at the beginning of the week, trading at around $84.700, with a daily drop of approximately 1%. The movement also affected other important cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, XRP, Solana and Cardano, which recorded losses of more than 4%.

According to analysts, the tariff escalation between the US and China — which has involved increasing US tariffs to up to 245% on Chinese products — is putting pressure on the entire technology sector. The dispute directly affects the chip supply chain, especially those manufactured with strategic minerals such as gallium and germanium.

In parallel with the decline in risk assets, gold reached a new all-time high of US$ 3.300 per ounce, consolidating its position as the main store of value at the moment. According to QCP Capital, “unlike gold, BTC has not achieved a safe haven status. The ‘alternative store of value’ narrative is not gaining traction in the current macroeconomic regime”.

The Dollar Index (DXY) also showed weakness against the euro and yen, indicating a search for protection in the face of increased global economic uncertainty.