Markets Recover: World Shares Climb, US Futures Edge Higher Post-Trump Address

New Delhi: World markets and U.S. stock futures showed signs of recovery on Wednesday, following a turbulent session triggered by new U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. 

Comments by U.S. President Donald Trump in a speech to Congress and the nation appeared to have scant impact on world markets. The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.6%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.5%.

Despite concerns over escalating trade tensions, major stock indices in Europe and Asia posted gains, while U.S. futures pointed to a stronger opening.  

The S&P 500 futures rose 0.6%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbed 0.5%, signaling optimism among investors.  

European Stocks Surge Amid Policy Shifts

Germany’s DAX index soared 2.4% to 22,958.74, as the country’s prospective coalition government discussed easing debt restrictions to boost defense spending. 

In France, the CAC 40 gained 1.9% to 8,197.43, while Britain’s FTSE 100 advanced 0.7% to 8,819.57. 

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China Maintains Growth Target Despite Tariffs

China announced plans to maintain its 5% economic growth target for 2025, with Premier Li Qiang promising increased government spending and policy measures to support expansion. 

Despite fresh U.S. tariffs raising duties on Chinese imports to 20%, China’s exports to other Asian nations have remained strong, helping offset losses from the U.S.  

Asian Markets Rally as Investors Digest Tariff Impact

- Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index surged 2.8% to 23,594.21.  

- Shanghai Composite index edged 0.6% higher to 3,341.96.  

- Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.2% to 37,418.24.  

- South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.2% to 2,558.13.  

- Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.2% to 8,141.10, bucking the trend.  

US Stocks Struggled Amid Trade War Fears

On Tuesday, Wall Street saw heavy losses as tensions escalated:  

- S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, with over 80% of stocks closing lower.  

- Dow Jones fell 1.6%.  

- Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.4%.  

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The slide was fueled by concerns that higher tariffs could drive up consumer prices, intensify inflation, and weaken economic growth. U.S. retailers warned that rising costs might curb consumer spending, a key driver of economic expansion.  

Retaliatory Tariffs Hit US Exports

In response to the U.S. tariff hikes:  

- China imposed up to 15% additional tariffs on U.S. farm products like chicken, pork, soy, and beef.  

- Canada announced plans for tariffs on over $100 billion worth of U.S. goods within 21 days

- Mexico prepared its own set of trade restrictions on U.S. imports.  

Oil, Currency, and Bitcoin Updates

- U.S. crude oil dipped 40 cents to $67.86 per barrel.  

- Brent crude fell 12 cents to $70.92 per barrel.  

- The U.S. dollar weakened, falling to 149.35 yen from 149.82 yen.  

- The euro strengthened to $1.0715 from $1.0626.  

- Bitcoin traded at approximately $88,700.  

While Wednesday’s market recovery suggests renewed investor confidence, uncertainty remains as the U.S. considers potential tariff negotiations. 

With inputs from AP