US stocks nosedive on escalating trade tensions

NEW YORK -- US stocks once again plunged in the morning session on Friday as investors brace for escalating trade tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1286.43 points, or 3.17 percent, to 39,259.50 as of 10:15 am Eastern time (1415 GMT). Meanwhile, the S&P 500 shed 201.77 points, or 3.74 percent, to 5,194.75. The Nasdaq Composite Index dropped by 645.31 points, or 3.9 percent, to 15,905.30.

US stocks plunged on Thursday, with the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq down 3.98 percent, 4.84 percent and 5.97 percent, respectively.