Sentiment soured for both US, European and Asian markets. The US tech stocks were particularly hit – without a new catalyser. Investors continued to step out on tariff worries, and the worries got worse when Trump announced that he would impose 25% tariffs on auto imports... both finished cars and auto parts.
The bearish sentiment across the US equities is now expanding into the European equities. The massive government spending being already priced in, European equity investors are faced with the ugly truth of the hectic tariff policies.
Gold remains the most reliable hedge against the Trump tariffs.
The tariff talk’s impact on the US dollar has been surprisingly negative so far, but the dollar’s direction will likely depend on how the countries will respond to the US tariffs. If there is no retaliation, the US dollar could rebound on relief that the impact of the tariffs on American exports – hence the American growth - would be contained, while retaliation from the US’ biggest trading partners would further hammer the US growth prospects and weigh on the dollar.
This report has been prepared by Swissquote Bank Ltd and is solely been published for informational purposes and is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any currency or any other financial instrument. Views expressed in this report may be subject to change without prior notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by Swissquote Bank Ltd personnel at any given time. Swissquote Bank Ltd is under no obligation to update or keep current the information herein, the report should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment.
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