US stocks witnessed a sharp decline as trade war concerns intensified due to President Trump’s trade policies and criticism of the Federal Reserve, prompting investors to flee the market. The Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all recorded substantial losses, with the VIX index also surging, signaling increased market volatility. Investors turned to gold as a safe-haven asset, causing its prices to rise, while the US dollar weakened against other major currencies. The uncertainty in the market has raised fears of a prolonged trade dispute between the US and its trading partners, leading to a tumultuous period for investors.