Global shares presented a mixed picture on Wednesday as investors evaluated the impact of recent trade policies after another day of declines on Wall Street. However, U.S. futures and oil prices showed an uptick. France’s CAC 40 increased 0.9% in early trading in Europe to 8,014.58.
Germany’s DAX increased by 1.5% to 22,644.81, while Britain’s FTSE 100 added 0.5% to reach 8,542.24. In the U.S., Dow futures saw a minor rise of nearly 0.1% to 41,510.00, and S&P 500 futures increased by 0.6% to 5,610.00. Asian markets showed mixed results.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 stayed almost static, gaining less than 0.1% to 36,819.09. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined by 0.9% to 23,566.42, while the Shanghai Composite fell by 0.2% to 3,371.92. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped by 1.3% to 7,786.20, and South Korea’s Kospi rose by 1.5% to 2,574.82.
Market reactions amid trade uncertainty
This market volatility is rooted in uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The administration’s tariffs have had a destabilizing effect, leaving investors uncertain about future measures.
“Trump’s tariff policies continue to destabilize markets, with investors left guessing as to which measures will either be added or walked back next,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade. Trump’s recent actions have also influenced international relations and trade. For instance, his increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum has drawn criticism.
Trump’s moves and comments from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have not provided clear direction, contributing to market uncertainty. In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude added 34 cents to $66.59 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, rose by 31 cents to $69.87 a barrel.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar increased to 148.50 Japanese yen from 147.78 yen, and the euro inched up to $1.0921 from $1.0919.
Image Credits: Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
