Businesses in the United States are facing challenges in planning for the future due to the constantly shifting trade policies under President Donald Trump's administration. This uncertainty has led to hiring and investment freezes, as companies struggle to navigate the evolving tariff landscape. During the recent earnings season, many companies, including apparel brands, highlighted concerns about tariffs and their impact on consumer demand. Designer Brands Inc. reported a first-quarter adjusted loss per share of $0.26 and revenue of $686.9 million, missing analyst expectations. The footwear retailer subsequently withdrew its full-year 2025 guidance, citing macroeconomic uncertainty and persistent instability, while targeting $20 million to $30 million in cost savings through margin and cost controls. The stock fell sharply in premarket trading. Investors and asset managers are reassessing their exposure to U.S. markets amid these uncertainties, with some shifting away from U.S. assets. Financial analyses also point to tariffs as a dominant factor affecting alternative investments and emerging markets. Overall, the unpredictable trade policies have complicated business disclosures and are contributing to a cautious economic outlook for the coming months.