Wisconsin’s publicly traded companies saw a sharp downturn Tuesday as the “Greenland tariff” threats from the White House sent uncertainty through Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 800 points, leaving Wisconsin-based manufacturing and retail giants like Rockwell Automation and Kohl’s Corp. in the red, even as a few defensive stocks managed to hold their ground.
Industrial and Retail Leaders Hit by Tariff Fears
The prospect of new trade barriers against NATO allies weighed heavily on Milwaukee’s industrial sector. Rockwell Automation Inc. (ROK), a bellwether for global manufacturing, saw its stock slide 2.75% to close at $404.10. Investors are closely watching how renewed geopolitical tension might impact the company’s international project pipeline.
Retailers also felt the squeeze. Kohl’s Corp. (KSS), headquartered in Menomonee Falls, dropped 3.22% to end at $18.02. Analysts attribute the decline to fears that potential tariffs could raise costs for consumer goods ahead of the spring season. Similarly, Harley-Davidson Inc. (HOG) shares fell 1.90%, closing at $20.10.
In the tech sector, Brookfield-based Fiserv Inc. (FISV) followed the Nasdaq lower, declining 2.69% to finish the session at $64.51.
WEC Energy and Generac Buck Trend
Defensive plays were the order of the day. WEC Energy Group (WEC) bucked the downward trend, rising 0.43% to close at $109.06. The Milwaukee utility provider continues to be a safe haven for local investors during periods of extreme market volatility.
Waukesha-based Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) also managed a gain of 0.75%, closing at $162.05. While Barclays recently trimmed its price target for the power-equipment maker, the company remains a favorite for those betting on domestic infrastructure stability.
Closing Bell: Wisconsin Stock Performance
| Company | Ticker | Closing Price | Change (%) |
| Generac Holdings | GNRC | $162.05 | +0.75% |
| WEC Energy Group | WEC | $109.06 | +0.43% |
| Exact Sciences | EXAS | $102.35 | -0.08% |
| Harley-Davidson | HOG | $20.10 | -1.90% |
| Fiserv Inc. | FISV | $64.51 | -2.69% |
| Rockwell Automation | ROK | $404.10 | -2.75% |
| Kohl’s Corp. | KSS | $18.02 | -3.22% |
