How did trump truth social affect markets today?

A pre‑release hint about softer growth on Truth Social raised uncertainty on a key data day. That nudged traders to hedge and cut risk, which lifted intraday volatility in the S&P 500. Once the GDP print hit, markets faded and then stabilized as liquidity improved.

What does a 1.4% U.S. GDP reading mean for stocks?

Slower growth with firm inflation can compress equity multiples because real rates stay higher for longer. Earnings durability becomes the swing factor. If profits hold, dips may find buyers. If margins slip, the index can test support as investors reassess fair value.

What is the Federal Reserve outlook after this data?

The data supports a slower path to rate cuts. The Fed will likely wait for clearer progress on inflation, especially in services. Markets reduced odds of early easing and focused on mid‑year. That stance keeps valuations sensitive to each inflation and jobs update.

How should Canadian investors approach S&P 500 exposure now?

Decide on CAD‑hedged versus unhedged ETFs based on your FX view and time frame. Use staged entries near support, and trim near resistance. Keep position sizes modest and set alerts on key levels. Review costs, including currency conversion, to protect net returns.

Global Market Insights

^GSPC Today, February 22: Trump Truth Social GDP Tease Fuels Volatility

ByDanny Kontos February 23, 2026

A trump truth social post hinting at softer U.S. growth met the official Q4 GDP print of 1.4%, with inflation still firm. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) swung as traders pushed back hopes for quick rate cuts. For Canadian investors, this mix matters because currency moves and cross‑border rates shape returns on U.S. equity ETFs. Today’s action puts policy signals and near‑term technical levels in focus. Below we break down what moved markets, how the Federal Reserve outlook is shifting, the setup on the chart, and practical ways to position from Canada.