What did investors fear would happen because of the smoot Hawley trariff act?

Investors feared that the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, enacted in 1930, would lead to a significant decline in international trade and exacerbate the Great Depression. By imposing high tariffs on imported goods, it was anticipated that retaliatory measures from other countries would follow, further isolating the U.S. economy and stifling growth. This protectionist measure raised concerns about rising prices, reduced consumer demand, and increased unemployment. Ultimately, investors worried that the act would undermine economic recovery efforts and deepen the financial crisis.