Ray of hope or false dawn for markets?
  • April 7, 2025

Ray of hope or false dawn for markets?

European investors still staggering from a nearly 12% plunge over three days in their regional stock benchmark are waking up to a futures market pointing more than 3% higher. President Donald Trump has hardly backed down in his assault on perceived trade disparities, even doubling down on China by threatening additional 50% levies that would take the combined total well above 100%. All of this raises suspicions of whether the bounce in markets will last, and even a 3% rebound in the STOXX 600 wouldn't make up much of the rout since Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement last Wednesday.

Rebound in Japan provides some respite for battered markets
  • April 7, 2025

Rebound in Japan provides some respite for battered markets

TOKYO (Reuters) -Asian stocks bounced off more than one-year lows and U.S. stock futures pointed up on Tuesday, but many investors remained on edge even as they hoped Washington might be willing to negotiate some of the aggressive tariffs that have unleashed turmoil in markets. A 5.6% rebound in Japan's Nikkei far outpaced other regional markets, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tasked with leading trade negotiations with Tokyo. "Importantly, a little ray of sunshine is starting to emerge that gives hope that the U.S. is genuinely open to trade negotiations, (with) the most significant being Japan with Treasury Secretary Bessent," said Tapas Strickland, head of market economics at National Australia Bank.

Dollar weakens against peers on trade disputes, China's offshore yuan hits record low
  • April 7, 2025

Dollar weakens against peers on trade disputes, China's offshore yuan hits record low

NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) -The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies including the yen and euro, while China's offshore yuan hit a record low on Tuesday, amid trade disputes sparked by President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs that have roiled markets for three days. The Japanese yen and Swiss franc continued to benefit from appetite for safe-havens, however, as investors remain concerned about the potential for a global recession. Markets are bracing for a war of attrition between the U.S. and China.