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...
Europe's major bourses fell on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 down more than 2%, amid a global selloff in stocks following President Trump's latest tariff announcement. The move sparked a broad flight to safety and deepened concerns about its impact on the global economy. The European Union faces tariffs of up to 20%, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to warn that the move would deal a "huge blow" to the global economy. She also confirmed that the EU was preparing retaliatory measures. Losses were broad-based, with basic resources and banks among the...
Japanese stocks ended in the red on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced larger-than-expected tariffs, disrupting trade and supply chains. The Nikkei 225 fell 2.78%, or 992.53 points, to close at 34,733.34. The U.S. imposed 24% tariffs on Japanese imports as President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping trade policy, setting a base rate of 10% and hitting key Asian partners with higher tariffs. China faces 34%, Vietnam 46% and South Korea 25%, while the EU gets 20% duties. Trump also closed a loophole that allowed low-value Chinese goods to pass through without being taxed,...
Japan's stocks plunged after President Donald Trump slapped the nation with a 24% levy as part of tariffs on trading partners worldwide. A stronger yen also dragged exporter shares lower. The Topix Index fell 4% to 2,544.41 as of 9:12 a.m. Tokyo time, while the blue-chip Nikkei declined 4.1% to 34,281.76. Contracts traded in Singapore initially spiked, then fell as details of the tariffs rolled out, suggesting the market will face volatility Thursday as investors digest the news. "Overall I think this was on the harder side of expectations," said Nick Twidale, chief analyst...
US equities advanced on Wednesday as investors awaited President Donald Trump's tariff announcement. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.8%, and the Dow Jones climbed 235 points. Tesla shares surged 5.3%, reversing earlier losses tied to weak quarterly deliveries, following reports that Elon Musk might step down from his advisory role in the administration. Uncertainty over the tariffs kept investors on edge, with speculation that Trump was considering broad 20% levies on imports, raising fears of a potential trade war. The White House confirmed the tariffs would take effect...
European markets closed lower Wednesday as investors braced for new U.S. trade tariffs. The Stoxx 50 fell 0.4%, and the Stoxx 600 lost 0.6%, reversing Tuesday's rebound. Most sectors declined, with healthcare stocks hit hardest—down nearly 2%—amid fading hopes for tariff exemptions. Bayer dropped almost 4%, leading losses. Concerns grew after Trump reiterated that his "reciprocal tariffs" would apply to "all countries." Reports suggest a 20% tariff on most imports, but final details remain uncertain. The White House confirmed the measures would take effect immediately after their...
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...