The best companies are using AI-powered chatbots to handle the majority of their customer service inquiries, improving efficiency and response times.
Leaders in this space—like ServiceNow—report that up to 80% of support cases can be resolved without any human intervention, thanks to smart automation. Other companies are also adopting similar tools to streamline workflows and deliver faster, more consistent customer experiences.
As AI continues to evolve, chatbots are becoming more capable, freeing up human agents to focus on complex issues and delivering a stronger overall service experience.
Market Wrap
U.S. stock markets experienced a volatile trading day on Monday, March 31, 2025, as initial declines driven by escalating trade tensions and economic uncertainty were later partly reversed, resulting in mixed closing results.
President Trump's Tariff Announcement:
President Donald Trump announced plans to implement comprehensive tariffs on all U.S. trading partners, intensifying fears of a global trade war. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the White House on Monday, March 31, with further details to be shared at an event scheduled for April 2 in the Rose Garden. This led to significant market volatility, with major indexes experiencing sharp declines before partially recovering later in the day.
Market Performance:
The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, closing at 5,611.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1%, ending at 42,001.76. Conversely, the Nasdaq Composite declined by 0.1%, closing at 17,299.29, impacted by declines in tech stocks like Nvidia. Despite the day’s partial recovery, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted their worst quarterly performances since 2022.
Gold Prices Reach Record Highs:
Amid growing uncertainty, investors turned to safe-haven assets. Gold prices surged to new record highs, reflecting inflation concerns and broader unease about the stability of global trade and economic conditions.
Economic Data – Chicago PMI:
The Chicago PMI rose to 47.6 in March from 45.5 in February, showing a slight improvement in manufacturing activity. However, the index remains below the neutral 50 mark, signaling continued contraction in the sector.
Oil Production Decline:
U.S. crude oil production fell by 305,000 barrels per day to 13.15 million in January, the lowest level since February 2024. This decline raises concerns over energy sector performance and broader economic implications.
Recession Fears and Market Outlook:
Goldman Sachs updated its outlook for the S&P 500, forecasting a -5% return over the next three months and a 6% gain over the next year. The firm cited rising trade tensions and a 35% chance of a U.S. recession within the next year as major risks to investor sentiment.
