American Express AXP Stock, Salesforce CRM Break Support on Downgrade Amid Risk-Off Rout

As selling pressure increases due to tariff-driven risk aversion and growing analyst skepticism, American Express (AXP) and Salesforce (CRM)

AXP and CRM Lead Dow Losses Amid Tariff Shock and Analyst Cuts

Quick overview

  • American Express and Salesforce are major contributors to the Dow's sharp decline, driven by tariff-related risk aversion.
  • American Express shares have dropped 8%, breaking key support levels amid concerns over consumer confidence and spending.
  • Salesforce's stock is down 5% due to price-target cuts and skepticism surrounding its upcoming earnings report.
  • Both companies face heightened vulnerability as analysts express doubts about their growth prospects in a challenging macro environment.

As selling pressure increases due to tariff-driven risk aversion and growing analyst skepticism, American Express (AXP) and Salesforce (CRM) are two of the Dow’s largest drags today.

Dow Slides Sharply as Heavyweights Falter

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down roughly 820 points, or 1.6%, with American Express and Salesforce standing out as two of the largest contributors to the intraday decline. The selloff reflects a broader risk-off tone across equities, triggered by a sudden escalation in U.S. tariff policy that has reignited fears of slowing growth and weaker consumer demand.

High-priced Dow components often amplify index volatility, and both AXP and CRM are doing exactly that—pulling the blue-chip gauge lower as sentiment deteriorates.

American Express Breaks Key Support

American Express Company shares have dropped 8%, making it one of the session’s sharpest decliners. The move comes amid heightened concerns that trade tensions could dent consumer confidence and discretionary spending.

American Express is particularly vulnerable in risk-off environments. Its business is closely tied to travel, entertainment, and broader credit trends—areas that are often among the first to feel pressure when economic uncertainty rises.

Technically, the damage is significant. AXP has broken below its 50-week simple moving average, a key medium-term support level. The next downside target appears to be the 100-week SMA near $295, just below the psychologically important $300 mark.

AXP Chart Monthly – Heading to the 100 SMA

Fundamentals have offered little relief. The company reported revenue of $17.57 billion, up 10.6% year over year, but that figure missed analyst expectations by 7.2%. Earnings per share also came in below forecasts. Despite headline growth, the quarter was broadly viewed as underwhelming, reinforcing doubts about momentum heading into a potentially weaker macro environment.

Salesforce Faces Mounting Skepticism

Salesforce, Inc. shares are down 5% as investors react to a wave of price-target cuts ahead of Wednesday’s earnings report.

The stock is trading near $175 after breaking below its 100-month simple moving average—an ominous long-term technical signal. The next major support sits near $120, where the 200-month SMA looms. Such a move would represent a substantial erosion of investor confidence.

CRM Chart Weekly – Breaking the 100 SMA This Week

Wall Street Downgrade

Wall Street’s tone has turned cautious. Citigroup cut its price target to $197 from $257, maintaining a Neutral rating while acknowledging “underwhelming” uptake of Agentforce. BMO Capital also reduced its target, citing modest adoption of Agentforce and Data Cloud, along with lackluster upsell activity.

With traders focused on whether Salesforce’s AI initiatives can translate into durable revenue acceleration, skepticism is clearly rising. The upcoming earnings report now carries elevated stakes.

Conclusion: American Express and Salesforce are not merely participating in today’s decline—they are accelerating it. Tariff-driven growth fears, revenue misses, analyst downgrades, and troubling technical breakdowns have combined to create a negative feedback loop. Unless upcoming earnings or macro developments shift sentiment meaningfully, both stocks appear vulnerable to further downside as investors retreat from risk-sensitive blue-chip names.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Skerdian Meta
Lead Analyst
Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.

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