Economy
Trump hints at automobile levies and exemptions on reciprocal tariffs
US President Donald Trump indicated that he would impose auto tariffs in the coming days, alongside a possibility of granting exemptions for some countries based on reciprocal tariffs. The comments triggered a sharp rebound in the US stock markets as investors expected a softened tariff stance.
Markets
Oil prices jump in response to Trump’s Venezuela tariff threats
Crude oil prices jumped following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would impose 25% tariffs on Venezuela’s oil buyers. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures at NYNEX rose 11% and the Brent futures at ICE were up 6.7% since their lows on 5 March.
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Europe News
Tariffs: EU holds fire on US spirits in tit-for-tat trade war
The entry into force of a list of countermeasures against US trade tariffs, including American spirits, has been postponed to allow time for talks among EU member states, with the European Commission awaiting Washington’s next move before revising its overall response.
Economy
Fed rate pause: Bank forecasts slower US growth and higher inflation
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected but downgraded its economic outlook, citing slower growth and higher inflation due to Trump’s tariffs. Wall Street staged a relief rally after Fed Chair Jerome Powell downplayed inflation concerns.
Economy
ECB's Lagarde warns of severe economic hit from Trump's trade wars
ECB’s Lagarde warns Trump’s trade war could hit global growth, inflation. She indicates that escalating tariffs risk severe economic consequences, while stressing the ECB’s challenge in stabilising inflation amid record-high uncertainty.
Markets
Gold reaches a new milestone as global trade war escalates
Gold prices reached a new high, while equity markets and crude oil continued to decline on Thursday amid an escalating global trade war. Risk-off sentiment prevailed in the financial markets due to economic and political uncertainties, shifting funds away from riskier assets.
Economy
European alcohol industry faces €13bn blow from Trump’s 200% tariffs
Trump’s threat to impose a 200% tariff on European alcohol rattled markets, sending Campari, Pernod Ricard, and LVMH stocks tumbling. The U.S. accounts for €13.1bn in EU beverage exports, with wine and spirits most at risk.
Economy
US stocks rally as inflation cools and euro holds four-month highs
US stocks rallied as February’s inflation data came in lower than expected, boosting hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. The S&P 500 gained 0.7%, while the Nasdaq 100 jumped 1.5%. Meanwhile, the euro held at a four-month high.