European shares closed flat on Wednesday, surrendering early session gains, as healthcare stocks felt the pinch from U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threat to impose higher tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. The pan-European STOXX 600 index closed 0.06% lower, breaking its two-day winning streak despite starting the session on a positive note. Healthcare stocks bore the brunt of the selling pressure. The sector index plunged 2.8% to its lowest level in more than three months after Trump unveiled a graduated tariff plan targeting pharmaceutical imports that could see levies on the...
Oil prices rose 2% on Monday after a trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union, and U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he would shorten the deadline for Russia to end its war in Ukraine or face sanctions. Brent crude futures were up $1.42, or 2.1%, at $69.86 a barrel by 12:58 p.m. EDT (1658 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.40, or 2.2%, to $66.56. Brent touched its highest price in 10 days after Trump said he was reducing the 50-day deadline he gave Russia over its war in Ukraine to 10-12 days. The deal between the U.S. and EU and a possible...
The US Dollar (USD) starts the week on a firmer note, extending its modest recovery since Thursday, as easing global trade tensions lift investor sentiment. Interestingly, the Greenback, which typically underperforms in a risk-on environment, is finding support despite improving risk appetite, underpinned by expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will leave interest rates unchanged at its monetary policy decision on Wednesday. Notably, a flurry of trade agreements finalized last week is also acting as a tailwind for the Greenback, with the August 1 tariff deadline looming and keeping...
Gold is trading in a narrow range on Monday, as economic data, easing trade tensions, and the fragility of the US Dollar continue to influence price action. At the time of writing, Gold is trading near $3,310 per ounce, down from earlier highs near $3,345. A US–EU trade deal has been announced, easing tariff risks and reducing demand for safe havens. The deal lowers the baseline tariff on most EU goods to 15%, down from the previously proposed 30%, in exchange for improved market access for US firms in digital services, agriculture, and clean energy. The agreement, modeled on the US–Japan...
The US dollar (USD) started the week on a positive note, continuing its modest recovery since Thursday, as easing global trade tensions boosted investor sentiment. Interestingly, the greenback, which typically underperforms in a risk-on environment, found support despite improved risk appetite, bolstered by expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will keep interest rates unchanged at its monetary policy decision on Wednesday. Notably, a series of trade agreements concluded last week also provided support for the greenback, with the looming August 1 tariff deadline keeping markets on...
Oil prices rose after President Donald Trump said he would shorten the deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, adding to earlier gains from the U.S.-European Union trade deal. Brent oil prices approached $70 per barrel after closing 1.1% lower on Friday. Trump said the European Union had agreed to buy $750 billion worth of American energy products, although he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appeared to disagree on some key details of the agreement. Later on Monday, Trump also said he would shorten the 50-day deadline he gave Vladimir Putin to reach a...