---
title: "Nasdaq Climbs 0.88% as Trump Proposes 15% Global Tariff"
canonical_url: https://www.stockexpertai.com/journal/2026-02-22/nasdaq-climbs-088-as-trump-proposes-15-global-tariff
last_updated: 2026-02-22T06:06:28.123Z
section: "Global Briefing"
author: "Reese Nakamura"
publisher: Stock Expert AI
content_type: journal-article
---

# Nasdaq Climbs 0.88% as Trump Proposes 15% Global Tariff

## The Take
- Monitor trade policy developments and their potential impact on global supply chains and corporate earnings, especially in the tech sector.

_Tech stocks lead gains while trade policy shifts, and concerns arise over Social Security COLAs and property taxes._

The global macro picture is shifting. U.S. equities saw a mixed performance as investors grappled with new trade policy proposals and ongoing economic concerns. The QQQ led the charge, gaining 0.88%, while the SPY added 0.72%. The DIA showed more modest gains, up 0.34%, and the IWM was unchanged at 0.00%.

President Trump's announcement of a potential 15% global tariff has introduced a new layer of uncertainty into international trade relations. This policy shift, up from a previously suggested 10%, could impact multinational corporations and global supply chains, potentially increasing costs for consumers. Meanwhile, domestic economic anxieties persist, highlighted by concerns over Social Security's 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which some analysts deem insufficient to offset rising living expenses for retirees. The increase is only marginally higher than the previous 2.5% COLA.

Adding to the economic landscape, concerns about property taxes are also surfacing, particularly in states like California. High property taxes can significantly impact homeowners' finances, even in areas with seemingly moderate effective tax rates. Separately, legendary investor Ray Dalio has expressed reservations about the U.S. economy, reducing holdings in major tech stocks, which raises questions about the future of artificial intelligence and increased capital spending.

Macro regimes don't change overnight—but when they do, it matters.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How will a 15% global tariff impact the stock market?
A 15% global tariff, as proposed by President Trump, introduces uncertainty into international trade, potentially impacting multinational corporations and supply chains. This could lead to increased costs for consumers and volatility in the stock market, particularly for tech stocks and companies heavily reliant on international trade. Investors are closely watching how this policy unfolds.

### What are the concerns surrounding Social Security's COLA?
Concerns exist that the 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security may not adequately cover rising living expenses, particularly for retirees. This is especially true given inflation and increases in healthcare and housing costs. Some analysts believe the COLA is insufficient to maintain retirees' purchasing power, leading to financial strain.

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_AI-generated under human editorial supervision. Educational research, not financial advice._