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Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index is on the brink of correction territory, tumbling 9.8% from its all-time high on February 14, driven by escalating trade tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs.
As of 03:20 GMT, the benchmark index dipped 0.2% to 7,772.5 points, extending its downward trend. On Wednesday, it briefly entered correction territory, plunging 1.6% to its lowest level since September 2024 before rebounding slightly. March losses have now hit nearly 5%, following a 4.2% drop in February, marking four consecutive weeks of declines.
The downturn follows Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective Wednesday. Australia, which had hoped for an exemption, was left disappointed. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the move as "entirely unjustified" and a blow to the long-standing alliance between the two nations.
The tariffs are stoking fears of rising costs for Australian exporters and broader economic disruptions. Investors are increasingly wary, with market sentiment deteriorating amid global trade uncertainties.
With mounting losses and no immediate relief in sight, all eyes remain on how policymakers and market forces will navigate this escalating economic challenge.
