Overview
- President Trump has suggested a possible delay to tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods until April 2, but a White House official stated the original March 4 deadline remains in effect.
- Trump also floated a potential 25% tariff on European cars and goods, further unsettling global trade expectations.
- The U.S. dollar firmed slightly after a recent slump, but ongoing trade uncertainty and weak economic indicators have raised concerns about growth and inflation.
- Markets are pricing in at least two Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2025, with the first expected as early as July, as economic concerns deepen.
- Major indices and commodities showed mixed performance, with Asian stocks fluctuating, oil prices recovering slightly, and gold holding steady below record highs.