The recent tariffs imposed on US imports have sent shockwaves through investors, with China retaliating with its own 34% tariffs on US goods. This has led to a downward spiral in the stock market, with the S&P 500 already down over 16% from its peak and forecasted to drop further if it falls by 20%. Analysts are urging caution but also see potential for long-term improvements as Trump officials view this "detox" period as necessary to address issues like the national debt. Despite this, many analysts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, with a Moderate Buy consensus rating on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) indicating 40.2% upside potential.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/the-bull-market-is-dead-says-investment-manager-amid-trade-tensions-1034552324Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to strengthen ties with Japan and China as part of a broader strategy to promote regional stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The move comes amid growing tensions between the two nations, particularly over issues such as trade and security. In Darwin, Australia, Albanese is set to meet with Japanese officials to discuss cooperation on defense and economic matters. The visit highlights the importance of quality journalism in navigating complex geopolitical situations and providing accurate information to the public.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/05/asia-pacific/politics/australia-darwin-port-china/Azerbaijani President Aliyev is set to visit Pakistan on April 26-27 for a two-day official trip, during which multiple agreements are expected in infrastructure, energy, and defense sectors. The visit marks a significant step forward in economic cooperation between the two nations, with Azerbaijan announcing investment projects worth over $2 billion. The country has offered a $1 billion loan to Pakistan's Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway project, while Premier Sharif had requested funding for two infrastructure projects totaling $1.8 billion. Senior Azerbaijani officials, including Minister of Economy and Investment Mikayil Jabbarov, will meet with Pakistani officials to discuss investment and trade cooperation. The visit aims to further cement bilateral ties in transportation, energy, industrial development, and defense production.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40356032/strategic-accords-expected-during-azerbaijan-presidents-visitSpeaker Birla will address the assembly and share perspectives with counterparts from other parliaments on key global issues. On the sidelines, he will interact with members of the Indian community in Uzbekistan to strengthen ties between the two nations.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/ls-speaker-om-birla-to-lead-indian-delegation-to-150th-ipu-assembly-in-tashkent-today/China is seeking to strengthen trade ties with countries such as ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, EU and UK amid tensions with the US. Despite China's economic strength, a negotiated truce is expected due to the strained relationship between Washington and Beijing. India has already begun talks and is open to cutting tariffs on $23 billion worth of US imports in a potential first-phase deal. Vietnam is also prioritizing negotiations to avoid an economic shock, having been hit by a 46% tariff from the US. The EU is ready to retaliate against Trump's 20% tariff but may look to other markets such as Mexico and Canada instead. European economists believe that structural reform, not state stimulus, is the best response to global protectionism.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1297970-nowhere-to-hide-trump-tariffs-leave-trading-partners-corneredRay Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, suggests that the US and China may negotiate a deal to strengthen the yuan in exchange for easing tariffs, following a meeting with senior Chinese leaders.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/private-equity/dalio-sees-us-china-push-for-yuan-deal-as-part-of-trade-reliefThe presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan welcomed EU leaders to Samarkand, a key hub in east-west connections, trade and commerce. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called it the start of a new era in their ancient friendship. The visit comes as US President Donald Trump's tariff offensive sparked global market shock, with von der Leyen warning that new global barriers are arising and powers are carving up new spheres of influence.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1298103-eu-hails-new-era-in-relations-with-central-asiaCzechia's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský is urging the EU to use a carrot-and-stick strategy to persuade US President Donald Trump to reverse trade tariffs, threatening penalties of over €20 billion if he doesn't. Despite failed closed-door talks, Lipavský believes the EU should offer incentives for the US to reconsider its stance, while also warning of potential countermeasures.
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-deal-donald-trump-tariffs-czechia-jan-lipavsky-american-gas/Pakistan's Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani met with Uzbekistan's Chairperson Tanzila K. Narbaeva in Tashkent during the IPU Assembly, reaffirming historical ties between the two countries built on shared culture and history. They emphasized strengthening parliamentary cooperation, trade, and connectivity to unlock their relationship's full potential. The meeting highlighted the need for increased high-level visits, road and railway connectivity, particularly the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, and boosting bilateral trade to $2 billion. Both leaders agreed on facilitating stronger economic linkages through Joint Business Forums and Logistics Forums, as well as improving air connectivity between Lahore and Tashkent.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40356023/gilani-meets-chairperson-senate-of-oliy-majlis-of-uzbekistan