Asia Stocks Slip, Euro Struggles as U.S.-EU Trade Deal Spurs Tariff Worries

Asian markets fell on Tuesday as investors reacted to the U.S.-EU trade deal, which introduced steep tariffs likely to weigh on global growth and inflation. Relief from avoiding harsher measures faded when Europe’s new 15% levy was compared to the previous 1–2% rates before President Donald Trump took office.

European leaders, including those in France and Germany, warned the higher tariffs would drag on growth, sending regional stocks and bond yields lower and pressuring the euro. The common currency slid 1.3% overnight to $1.1592, its steepest drop since May, with support seen at $1.1556. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index rose to 98.674, with gains against the yen at 148.63.

Trump further signaled plans for a “world tariff” of 15–20% on non-deal trading partners, potentially the highest rates since the 1930s. JPMorgan economists called the shift a “big shock” to global trade, warning recession risks remain elevated at 40%.

Oil prices extended gains after Trump set a 10–12 day deadline for Russia to progress on ending the Ukraine war or face tougher sanctions. Brent crude held at $70.10 a barrel, while U.S. crude stayed at $66.73.

MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan dropped 0.7%, Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.8%, and Chinese blue chips dipped 0.1%. European futures steadied, with EUROSTOXX 50 up 0.2%. U.S. futures rose modestly ahead of earnings from Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Treasury yields hovered at 4.408% as markets priced in a 97% chance the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady at 4.25–4.5% this week. Attention turns to upcoming U.S. data, including GDP, job openings, and payrolls, which could influence September rate cut expectations. Gold remained flat at $3,316 an ounce.