Overview

• President Trump hinted at potential tariff exemptions for autos and tech products, aiming to alleviate pressures on domestic industries.
• The U.S. Commerce Department announced investigations into semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports, leaving open the possibility of new tariffs in these sectors.
• Global markets showed cautious optimism, with gains in Europe and Asia, while U.S. futures indicated modest increases.
• Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller described inflation from tariffs as likely temporary and suggested rate cuts remain an option to support growth.
• The U.S. dollar continued to weaken, reflecting investor concerns over trade policy and its broader economic implications.