2025-03-13 20:01:03Stocks in the US plunged on Thursday, extending a three-week selloff as renewed tariff threats from President Donald Trump rattled investor confidence. The S&P 500 slid 1.4%, entering correction territory, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.9%, weighed down by declines in Apple (-3.4%) and Tesla (-3%). The Dow Jones lost 536 points, slipping below the 41,000 mark for the first time in weeks. Trade tensions escalated after Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European wines and spirits in retaliation for the EU’s planned duties on American whiskey, amplifying concerns over an intensifying trade war. Meanwhile, producer price inflation data came in softer than expected, with the headline figure remaining flat and the core rate dipping 0.1%, reinforcing yesterday’s cooler CPI report. In corporate news, Adobe shares plunged 13.8% after issuing a weak revenue outlook, while Intel surged 14.6% following the announcement of a new CEO.
2025-03-12 18:51:04Silver climbed over 1% to $32.30 per ounce on Wednesday, as investors turned to safe-haven assets amid escalating trade tensions and cooling U.S. inflation. Expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts further fueled demand for precious metals, with the prospect of a lower interest rate environment adding to silver’s appeal. The latest U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed inflation rising 0.2% in February, easing from January’s 0.5% increase. This sign of slowing inflation strengthened the outlook for Fed rate cuts later this year. Traders are now looking ahead to U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) data and weekly jobless claims for further insight into the economic landscape. Meanwhile, trade tensions escalated as President Donald Trump imposed higher tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, fueling uncertainty and increasing silver’s appeal as a hedge.
2025-03-04 08:22:07Major European stock markets were in the red on Tuesday, with the STOXX 50 dropping around 1.5% and the STOXX 600 falling 0.9%, after both benchmarks reached record highs the previous day. A broad risk-off sentiment prevailed as new US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China came into effect, heightening global trade tensions. In response, Canada and China announced retaliatory measures, including counter-tariffs on US goods. The auto sector was among the hardest hit, namely BMW (-3.8%), Stellantis (-3.8%), Mercedes-Benz (-2.8%), VW (-2.4%). Oil and gas stocks were also under pressure, namely Shell (-3%), TotalEnergies (-3.3%), and BP (-4.1%). Meanwhile, defense stocks extended their gains after President Donald Trump halted all military aid to Ukraine. Rheinmetall (1.1%), Hensoldt (9.5%) and Renk (4.8%) were all higher. On the earnings front, Thales shares soared about 9% after the company beat 2024 profit expectations.