US consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest in over four years due to fears of a recession and higher inflation caused by tariffs. Analysts, including Jack McIntyre of Brandywine Global, are seeking clarity on trade policy to adapt to the uncertainty. The announcement of a 25% tariff on auto imports has led to a decline in shares for carmakers like General Motors and Ford. The S&P 500 is experiencing higher volatility, with near-term option expirations pricing in increased uncertainty. Investors are bracing for potential asset price fluctuations as the first quarter comes to a close and earnings season begins, with a focus on the upcoming US jobs report due on April 4.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355485/wall-street-week-ahead-wobbly-us-stocks-face-test-with-tariffs-jobs-dataUS diplomats are using shuttle diplomacy to mediate a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, a strategy similar to the one that brought an end to the Bosnian War in 1995. The US has held separate meetings with both sides, led by Christopher Hill, who was involved in the Dayton peace accords as deputy to Richard Holbrooke. This approach allowed for direct communication and helped narrow down differences between the parties. In the past, Henry Kissinger used a similar method, and it is believed to have been successful in Bosnia.
https://www.rferl.org/a/dayton-bosnia-peace-shuttle-diplomacy-ukraine-russia/33362126.htmlThe US-Iran nuclear conflict has a complex timeline, but here's a brief overview: In 1979, the Iranian Revolution led to the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi by Ayatollah Khomeini, who established an Islamic republic. The US responded with economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. In 1980, Iran seized American diplomats from the embassy in Tehran, leading to the Iran hostage crisis. The crisis ended with the release of the hostages in 1981. In 2009, the Iranian government began enriching uranium, sparking international concern over its nuclear program. In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed, limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for economic sanctions relief. However, in 2018, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions on Iran. In 2020, a US drone strike killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, leading to increased tensions between the two countries. In 2022, the US imposed new sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, further straining relations.
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/from-cia-toppling-the-tehran-govt-to-trumps-new-bombs-warning-a-timeline-of-the-us-iran-nuclear-conflict-11743398795820.htmlUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased pressure on Russia, accusing it of intentionally delaying an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. He spoke with Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb after Stubb's visit with US President Donald Trump in Florida, where they discussed a potential ceasefire deadline of April 20th. However, Trump had previously accused Zelenskyy of trying to back out of a rare earth deal, which has marked a sharper tone towards Russia in recent weeks.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/president-trumps-first-100-days/trump-sets-psychological-deadline-for-putin-to-agree-to-ukraine-ceasefireSouth Korean Minister Ahn emphasized that protectionism is not a solution to global trade issues, urging cooperation with the World Trade Organization to maintain stability and predictability in commerce. US President Trump has promised tailored tariffs on April 2 to address unfair practices, but also hinted at flexibility. Following a meeting between ministers, Japan's Muto expressed hope for continued exchanges and cooperation despite historical disputes over forced labor during Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula. The two countries face common challenges such as energy issues and securing critical minerals, with US tariffs on automobiles expected to significantly impact both nations, particularly South Korea, which relies heavily on exports to the US.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355525/china-south-korea-and-japan-agree-to-strengthen-free-tradeIran has prepared launch-ready missiles in underground facilities to respond to potential airstrikes following US President Donald Trump's threat of bombing and secondary tariffs over its nuclear program. The missiles are designed to withstand airstrikes, according to a report by the Tehran Times.
https://www.news18.com/world/iran-readies-missiles-launch-ready-missiles-donald-trump-warning-to-iran-bombing-tariffs-9281155.htmlIran has threatened to retaliate with missiles against cities in the US after President Trump's "bombing" threat, rejecting talks and saying its behavior depends on America's actions. The Iranian statement comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries following a recent visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Tehran.
https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/trump-says-will-bomb-iran-unless-it-signs-nuclear-deal-tehran-rejects-talks-all-depends-on-us-behaviour-10-pts-11743378460174.htmlTokyo's Nikkei 225 index plummeted over four percent as investors braced for US tariffs, which will disproportionately affect Japan and South Korea due to their significant car exports to the US. Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda suffered losses of around three percent, while SoftBank tanked over five percent. Gold hit a record high of $3,106.79 amid recession fears. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned of retaliatory tariffs against the US, while Moody's Analytics predicted the tariffs could shave 0.2 to 0.5 percentage points from growth in Japan and South Korea.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/03/31/japans-nikkei-leads-big-losses-in-asian-markets-as-gold-hits-record/171468US President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to renegotiate security guarantees in exchange for better terms, contradicting previous US support for a NATO membership pathway. Trump has expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin but appeared irritated by him during their encounter. The comments come as Ukraine faces intensified Russian bombardment and strained ceasefire negotiations, with recent drone strikes on military hospitals and residential areas in Kharkiv killing two and injuring dozens.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14553601/Trump-claims-Zelensky-wants-rare-minerals-deal-issues-stern-warning.html