Global financial markets are trading mixed today amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on drug and semiconductor imports, coupled with weak service sector data impacting investor risk appetite.
The new tariff measures, based on the principle of reciprocity and signed by Trump last week, are set to take effect this Thursday. The President has stated that details regarding tariffs on drug and semiconductor imports will be announced “next week or shortly thereafter.”
“Initially, low tariffs will be applied to imported drugs. However, this rate will rise to 150% within a year to a year and a half, and later increase to 250%, as we want these drugs to be produced domestically in the U.S.,” Trump said.
Analysts note that despite trade agreements with key partners like China, Japan, and the European Union, the new tariff plans are increasing market uncertainty, keeping investor attention focused on related developments.
Economic Outlook
Questions remain over how these tariffs will affect the U.S. economy. The ISM services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.1 in July, below market expectations. Analysts say this weakness raises concerns over economic activity and places the Federal Reserve in a difficult position between controlling inflation and supporting growth.
Meanwhile, the U.S. trade deficit narrowed by 16% in June to $60.2 billion, hitting its lowest level since September 2023. On the corporate front, Palantir shares rose 7.85% after raising its annual revenue forecast, while Pfizer’s shares gained 5.18% following an upward revision to profit guidance.
Gold Continues Fourth Day of Gains
Economic uncertainty in the U.S. has boosted demand for gold. The price of gold rose 0.2% to $3,380 per ounce, marking a fourth consecutive day of gains. However, early trading today shows a slight dip of 0.2% to $3,375 per ounce.
US 10-year Treasury yields climbed to 4.21%, while the dollar index reached 98.7. Brent crude oil prices rose to $67.80 per barrel.
Positive Signals in European and Asian Markets
European stock markets closed higher yesterday, except in France. Investors are closely watching the Bank of England’s interest rate decision scheduled for tomorrow, with markets largely expecting a rate cut.
Asian markets displayed mixed performance. Japan’s automotive sector led gains with Mitsubishi Heavy’s shares up 4.1%, Toyota rising 3.3%, and Mazda Motors increasing 3.1%.
Turkish Markets
The BIST 100 index in Borsa Istanbul closed marginally down at 10,849.96 points yesterday. Meanwhile, August futures contracts on the BIST 30 index in the VIOP market rose 0.35% to 12,303 points during the evening session.
The USD/TRY exchange rate is trading around 40.6780 in the interbank market today.
Key Data Releases to Watch Today:
09:00 Germany – June Factory Orders
12:00 Eurozone – June Retail Sales
14:00 US – Weekly Mortgage Applications
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, according to three senior Iranian sources. Washington is escalating pressure in hopes of securing concessions in future negotiations.
An Iranian tanker was hit by U.S. forces on Saturday near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf, the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.
Volkswagen’s supervisory board has approved a major overhaul aimed at cutting 100,000 jobs by 2030 as the German carmaker battles weaker sales, falling profits and intensifying global competition.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on American companies to expand their presence in China and pledged that Beijing would address their "reasonable concerns," as China looks to stabilise trade ties with Washington ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the U.S. later this month
Apple is entering a new era as Tim Cook steps down as chief executive after 15 years at the helm, handing the technology giant's leadership to longtime executive John Ternus.
Volkswagen is heading towards a decisive showdown with labour representatives as Germany's largest carmaker weighs sweeping restructuring measures that could lead to factory closures and tens of thousands of job losses.
Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is seeking to raise up to $1.77 billion in a Hong Kong IPO after its valuation fell around 70 per cent from its private-market peak four years ago.
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