Stock market today: Major U.S. indexes fall as Dow drops 0.82%, S&P 500 down 0.66%, and Nasdaq slips 0.53% amidst renewed U.S.-China trade tensions.

The stock market experienced a jolt as major U.S. indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), the S&P 500 (GSPC), and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC), trended downward amidst renewed tensions between the U.S. and China. The Dow Jones was down by 0.82%, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq saw declines of 0.66% and 0.53%, respectively. This decline follows a period of bullish momentum in May, which was characterized by strong performance amid eased trade concerns and impressive earnings from tech giants.

Investors began the new trading week with caution as the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions resurfaced, unsettling markets that were already wary of geopolitical developments. China reportedly retaliated against the U.S. for what it called tariff violations, escalating an already sensitive trade environment. As a result, risk-averse sentiments took over, driving equity futures lower before the opening bell. The uncertainty over the tariffs and trade policies was compounded by new legal developments and policy shifts, which further clouded the market outlook.

Crude oil prices, meanwhile, saw a surge following the OPEC+ decision to increase output for July—a move that was largely anticipated by analysts and had a mixed impact on energy stocks. Despite this positive development for the energy sector, the broader market remained under pressure from trade-related concerns.

The volatility index, often referred to as Wall Street's "fear gauge," saw an uptick as concerns over trade and economic repercussions intensified among investors. The tech-heavy Nasdaq, despite a robust performance in May—where it ended with gains of over 9.5%—was not immune to the downturn, reflecting broader market anxieties.

Amid these developments, market participants are also keeping a close watch on upcoming economic indicators and the Federal Reserve's policy directions. The looming May jobs report and any updates on the trade talks could play pivotal roles in determining the stock market's next moves.

As June progresses, investors will be navigating a complex landscape marked by trade dialogues, economic data releases, and policy updates. The market's immediate trajectory will likely hinge on how these factors evolve and the prospects of reaching any tangible resolutions in the ongoing trade dispute.