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The US dollar saw some recovery against most major currencies on Wednesday as reflected by a 0.33% increase in the dollar index (USDX) on the iFOREX trading platform. Escalating his tariff agenda with a 25% tax on all automobile imports, the U.S. President heightened investor caution. This drove safe-haven buying of the dollar, amid fears he would enact further tariffs.
Elsewhere, Asian stock markets largely declined Thursday, reacting to President Trump's proposed auto tariffs which heightened trade uncertainty. The Japan 225 suffered the most due to its heavy exposure to auto and tech sectors. Tech and chip stocks across the region also fell, mirroring U.S. trends, amid worries about AI supply oversupply. In contrast, Hong Kong's stock market saw gains, particularly in local tech companies, which have shown increasing divergence from global trends, fueled by optimism regarding China's AI development and anticipated stimulus measures from Beijing.
In corporate news, major Asian automakers saw significant declines, with Japanese firms Honda, Nissan, and Toyota dropping by 4.8%, 2.06% and 4.11% respectively on the iFOREX trading platform. South Korea's Hyundai fell even further, down 4.71%, despite its recent $21 billion U.S. investment intended to mitigate tariff impacts.
Wall Street sentiment shifted back to negative on Wednesday as the impact of trade tariffs pressured tech stocks, causing the main U.S. stock indices to decline on Wednesday. This broader market downturn was largely driven by a pullback in big tech, with NVIDIA Corporation and Tesla Inc leading the selloff amid ongoing tariff uncertainty. Adding to the negative sentiment surrounding Nvidia was a Financial Times report suggesting that Beijing's new energy efficiency regulations could potentially restrict Chinese companies from purchasing Nvidia's top-selling processors. Meanwhile, Tesla's slump interrupted a five-day streak of gains that followed a meeting led by CEO Elon Musk, which had previously helped to reassure investors.
Energy prices extended their recent gains, with both WTI and Brent crude oil reaching new monthly highs due to renewed supply concerns and government data confirming a larger-than-anticipated decrease in U.S. crude stockpiles. This drawdown significantly exceeded analysts' expectations, indicating a tightening supply in the crude oil market. In the meantime, the U.S. mediated separate agreements between Ukraine and Russia to stop attacks on maritime and energy infrastructure. In exchange, Washington pledged to push for the removal of specific sanctions on Moscow, especially those impacting Russian agriculture and fertilizer exports.
The announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's 25% automobile import tariffs, set for April 2nd, contributed to a global market downturn, which in turn caused leading cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum to decline by 0.57% and 2.75% respectively, reflecting the negative sentiment also seen on Wall Street.
For Thursday, attention will likely turn to U.S. GDP numbers, weekly jobless claims and pending home sales data and a speech by ECB’s Lagarde at an event hosted by the Central Bank of Chile. On the earnings front, Lululemon Athletica and Walgreens Boots are releasing their quarterly reports later today. Later this week, some price action is anticipated upon the release of Friday’s Core PCE Price Index the Fed’s primary gauge of inflation.
The EUR/USD pair continued its downward trajectory on Wednesday, declining by over 0.40% and slipping below the 1.0750 mark for the first time since early March. This marks the sixth consecutive session of losses, with risk sentiment deteriorating further as trade war concerns weigh on global markets ahead of April 2.
Reports suggest the Trump administration remains committed to implementing broad tariffs on copper imports into the U.S., following the recent imposition of a 25% import tax on steel and aluminum. Additionally, President Trump is expected to announce new tariffs on automobiles, with speculation that the levy could be around 20%. European Union (EU) officials remain uncertain about the scope and timing of these measures, which appear subject to shifting White House policy decisions.
In addition to the anticipated tariff announcements on April 2, the administration is preparing a "reciprocal" trade package aimed at countering foreign trade barriers against U.S. goods.
Investors will closely monitor the U.S. GDP growth figures set for release later today, though the report is unlikely to trigger significant market movement.
Gold prices remained flat on Wednesday, as a rebound in the US Dollar Index capped any upside momentum.
Although gold has faced mild downward pressure, the precious metal remains firmly above the critical $3,000 support level, keeping bullish investors optimistic about further gains.
In economic data, February’s US Durable Goods Orders came in stronger than expected, according to the Department of Commerce, reinforcing signs of economic resilience. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve officials continued to make headlines with their latest remarks on monetary policy.
Looking ahead, market participants are focused on Friday’s release of the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index.
Oil prices rose on Wednesday, supported by government data showing a decline in U.S. crude and fuel inventories, as well as growing concerns over tightening global supply following the U.S. threat of tariffs on countries purchasing Venezuelan crude.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. crude inventories fell by 3.3 million barrels to 433.6 million barrels for the week ending March 21—significantly exceeding analyst expectations of a 956,000-barrel draw.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions escalated as U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential tariffs on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil, following earlier sanctions targeting China’s imports from Iran.
Limiting oil price gains, the U.S. brokered agreements with Ukraine and Russia to pause attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime targets. In exchange, Washington has agreed to push for the easing of certain sanctions on Moscow, which could lead to an increase in Russian oil supply.
All three U.S. stock index futures declined on Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on automobile imports. Technology stocks also faced pressure amid growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) demand.
Concerns over the AI sector deepened as shares of Nvidia and other major tech firms fell sharply. A report from TD Cowen indicated that Microsoft had canceled multiple AI data center contracts, adding to fears of oversupply in the industry.
Trump confirmed that his administration will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars and light trucks, effective April 2.
The move is expected to increase domestic automobile costs in the short term as manufacturers adjust supply chains and shift more production to the U.S. However, the tariff is also likely to hurt American automakers, many of which operate factories abroad, particularly in Mexico.
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