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U.S. Markets Close Mixed as April Ends with Economic Slowdown and Trade Policy Concerns

U.S. stock markets ended mixed on Wednesday, capping off a volatile April characterized by signs of economic contraction and growing uncertainty around trade policy.

The S&P 500 edged up 0.15%, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.86%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 141 points, buoyed by selective gains despite broader concerns.

New data from the Commerce Department revealed that U.S. GDP shrank at an annualized rate of 0.3% in the first quarter, marking the first economic contraction since 2022. This follows a 2.4% increase in the previous quarter.

The downturn was driven in part by a sharp 41% surge in imports, as businesses rushed to stock up on goods ahead of newly announced tariffs by President Trump.

Consumer spending also slowed to its weakest pace in over a year, and a decline in government expenditures further weighed on overall growth.

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