Economists are describing what’s happening in the markets as volatile. 

President Donald Trump placed double-digit tariffs on many countries around the world last week, including those in Europe, China and Japan, among others. After these actions, the markets tanked. Over two days the stock market lost over $6 trillion. Things changed yesterday, when Trump paused his tariffs for 90 days, with the exception of China which saw its tariffs increase to 125%. 

Conventional economists argue against tariffs, saying trade is generally good. It makes both countries richer in the deal. Economists often don’t like tariffs because they increase prices and make it harder to get the materials countries need to build and sell stuff.  

But a minority of economic thinkers are pushing back. They’re saying we have to give these tariffs time. Some are saying that the market and American companies need a while to restructure themselves to this new economic order. 

Chen Zhao, head of economics research for the real estate firm Redfin, joined the show to help us understand this market shock. Local financial advisor Bobby Barrett also joined the show to discuss how tariffs and the resulting turmoil in the stock market is raising concerns for retirees, or soon-to-be retirees, about their 401(k)s.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.