US consumer sentiment fell to 58.6 in August from 61.7—the first decline since April. The University of Michigan survey was conducted July 29–August 11, with tariff concerns again weighing on confidence. Full-year inflation expectations rose to 4.9%, while the 5–10-year forecast was 3.9%. Both were worse than economists' forecasts. Job concerns also increased: 62% of respondents predicted unemployment would rise. 58% planned to cut back on spending (cars, household goods, dining out), and durable goods purchasing conditions fell to their lowest in a year. Meanwhile, retail sales continued...
The S&P 500 closed below 5,000 for the first time in nearly a year after a strong start to the session on Tuesday, amid growing concerns about a global trade war as the Trump administration prepares to raise tariffs on China at midnight. At 4:00 p.m. ET (21:00 GMT), the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 320 points, or 0.8%, the S&P 500 was down 2% to close at 4,987.76 and the Nasdaq Composite was down 2.2%. The S&P 500, which rose about 4.1% at its high on the day, closed below 5,000 for the first time since April 19, 2024. Global trade war fears mount as tariffs on China...
European stock markets closed sharply higher in Tuesday trading as the Stoxx Europe 600 advanced 2.72%, Germany's DAX rose 2.48%, the FTSE 100 in London climbed 2.71%, France's CAC 40 increased 2.50%, and the Swiss Market Index surged 2.82%. US President Donald Trump rejected a European Union proposal to eliminate tariffs on bilateral trade in industrial goods, which means a 20% tariff on all EU imports will take effect Wednesday, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Trump criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's offer as insufficient to reset the transatlantic trading...
Major U.S. stock indexes rallied more than 3% on Tuesday, snapping a three-day losing streak marked by heightened volatility, as investor sentiment improved on hopes of progress in U.S. tariff negotiations. The S&P 500 surged 3.1%, the Dow Jones soared by 1,300 points (3.5%), and the Nasdaq rose 3.2%. The rebound followed comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who disclosed that roughly 70 countries, including Japan, have reached out to the White House to initiate tariff talks. Despite the market optimism, U.S.-China tensions remained elevated. Beijing reiterated its resolve to...
The Hang Seng surged 299 points or 1.5% to close at 20,128 on Tuesday, partly rebounding from Monday's historic 13.2% fall, the steepest one-day loss since 2008. Gains were broad-based, led by tech and consumers, as hopes emerged that Washington might ease its tariff stance. In response to recent market turmoil, China moved state-owned firms and listed companies to help calm sentiment. Chinese financial regulator also plans to raise equity asset cap for some insurers by about 5%, aiming at channeling more long-term capital into stocks and supporting the economy. However, the index trimmed...
European markets moved higher at the open on Tuesday, reversing course from a four-day losing streak fuelled by red-hot global tariff tensions. The regional Stoxx 600 index was around 1% higher shortly after the opening bell, with almost every sector and all major bourses in positive territory. The index ended Monday's session around 4.5% lower, marking its lowest closing level since January 2024. Key regional indices including the U.K.'s FTSE 100, the German DAX and France's CAC 40 also all closed sharply lower. Global equity markets have been rocked by the frequent updates around U.S....
China's official NBS Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.7 in June 2025 from May's 49.5, matching market expectations while marking the third consecutive month of contraction in factory activity.
It...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of further developments in trade talks between US President Trump and Chinese...
President Donald Trump said he would set levies on semiconductors in the coming two weeks, the latest indication he's readying a substantial expansion of his tariff regime.
"I'll be...