China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Global investors are cautiously approaching U.S. President Donald Trump’s looming Wednesday deadline for new trade tariffs, though markets appear largely unfazed. The 90-day pause on the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs ends this week, with initial tariff notifications reportedly sent to 12 countries. Despite the uncertainty, traders believe worst-case scenarios are priced in.
Trump recently hinted tariffs could spike up to 70% by August 1—far above the 10%-50% range initially floated. While limited deals have been reached with Britain and Vietnam, talks with India, Japan, and the EU have stalled. Still, global equity markets remain strong. Since April 2, world stocks have surged 24% after an initial 14% dip, reflecting investor confidence despite policy noise.
“The market has become more comfortable with tariff risks,” said Jeff Blazek of Neuberger Berman. Portfolio managers say the abundance of liquidity has made it difficult for funds to stay on the sidelines, even amid geopolitical concerns.
Adding complexity is Trump’s newly signed tax-and-spending bill, which cements 2017 tax cuts and could add over $3 trillion to the U.S. debt. Wall Street welcomed the legislation, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting record highs. However, concerns over inflation and debt have pressured U.S. Treasuries and the dollar, with the dollar index down 11% in 2025 so far—its worst start to a year since 1973.
Interest rate expectations are shifting as traders scale back bets on imminent Fed cuts. “If bond yields rise sharply due to fiscal concerns, the outlook for equities could change,” warned John Pantekidis of TwinFocus.
Investors remain focused on how Trump’s tariff escalation and fiscal policy will shape inflation, interest rates, and broader market dynamics in the months ahead.
