U.S. stocks gain modestly, attempting a rebound even as tariff war escalates

A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell on April 8, 2025. Stocks were modestly higher on Wednesday although investors remained on edge after four days of heavy losses.

U.S. stock indices were modestly higher even as President Trump's latest round of tariffs kicked in. But nerves abounded, with China and the EU announcing they would retaliate with their own tariffs.

(Image credit: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)