Asian stocks fell on Wednesday due to concerns over US President Donald Trump's upcoming tariff plans, which investors fear could trigger a global trade war. The Dow finished lower, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended higher after an early decline. China's blue-chip index rose 0.14%, but Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3%. Investors are worried about the impact of tariffs on supply chains and the labour market, with US job openings falling in February due to tariff uncertainty. The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note slid to its lowest level since March 4, while gold prices remained near record highs at $3,132.43 per ounce.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355632/stocks-on-tenterhooks-as-trumps-tariff-plans-loomPresident Donald Trump is set to announce "Liberation Day" tariffs on Wednesday, which could reshape the economy. The new tariffs are aimed at boosting US manufacturing and punishing countries for unfair trade practices. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described April 2 as a historic day, while economists warn that the move may plunge the economy into a downturn.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/trump-set-announce-liberation-day-tariffs-move-that-could-reshape-economy/ZPLFRMB7NBDMVBSX7VZGEBSYWQ/Austal's shares surged 35% in the three months ending March, their best quarterly gains in nearly two years, as US President Donald Trump's policies benefiting Australian shipbuilder Austal. The company's order book grew to a record A$14.2 billion by 2024-end, driven by increased defence spending and concerns over China's aggression in the region. Austal's US-based shipyards insulate it from potential import tariffs, making it more attractive to investors. South Korean conglomerate Hanwha recently acquired a 9.9% stake in Austal, highlighting foreign interest in the company.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/austal-benefiting-trump-policies-524145Research by Bertelsmann Stiftung found that enthusiasm for deeper European defense cooperation has decreased significantly in Spain and France between early 2022 and late 2024, with support dropping from 92% to 83% in Spain and 87% to 71% in France. A survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations also revealed that majorities in France and Italy oppose increased defense spending if it comes at the expense of healthcare and education. The shift in global dynamics following US President Donald Trump's return has led Europe to reassess its security needs, potentially leading citizens to prioritize rearmament without American assurances.
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-sacrifices-citizens-ukraine-far-right-russia-populist/US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have proposed legislation that would impose sanctions on Russia if it fails to engage in talks or undermines Ukraine's sovereignty after any peace deal, as part of a rare bipartisan effort in Congress. The bill comes amid growing tensions between President Donald Trump and Moscow over a wider agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/us-senators-push-sanctions-if-russia-stalls-ukraine-peace-effortsIsrael announced it will eliminate all tariffs on imports from the US, with the move seen as a diplomatic gesture rather than an economic one. The remaining tariffs, primarily on agricultural goods, amount to about $11.4 million per year. The decision comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's expected announcement of new tariffs affecting all trade partners. The reduction in tariffs is aimed at strengthening strategic relations between Israel and the US, potentially reducing the cost of living in Israel.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-tariffs-reciprocal-tariffs-april-2-tariffs-us-tariffs-india-others-brace-for-impact-as-trumps-tariff-liberation-day-dawns-8064397#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscrollBaruah and Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, have asked US officials to pause tariffs on auto parts complying with the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. They also advised against levying tariffs on vehicles made outside Mexico and Canada, as well as parts produced outside North America.
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-tariffs-2671655588/European countries are seeking clarity on US security priorities and intentions, particularly regarding its stance on Russia, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's warning that the US is shifting focus to Asia and its own borders. NATO allies want a roadmap for future troop withdrawals and nuclear weapon deployments in Europe, as they believe the alliance's deterrent effect relies heavily on US firepower. The Biden administration has deployed around 100,000 US troops across the continent, with some 20,000 personnel potentially being withdrawn from Ukraine since Russia's invasion three years ago. NATO leaders are expected to raise their military budget goal from 2% to over 3% at their June summit, amid concerns that reduced spending would be unjustified if Russia is no longer seen as a top threat.
https://apnews.com/article/nato-rubio-trump-ukraine-russia-greenland-8b0d417cb43f9935532916f0b72cbf30The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar has urged the international community to deliver humanitarian aid directly to earthquake victims, warning that any attempts by the military junta to divert or obstruct assistance will have devastating consequences. The NUG's call comes after the country's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, stated on the day of the earthquake that Myanmar would accept outside help. However, human rights monitor Tom Andrews has emphasized the need for an immediate halt to military attacks to facilitate aid delivery, saying "The focus in Myanmar must be on saving lives, not taking them."
https://africanews.com/2025/04/01/survivors-still-being-found-from-myanmar-earthquake/