Stock markets worldwide are holding their breath as investors brace for the fallout from President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. With speculation and uncertainty running high, investors are waiting to see which sectors will bear the brunt of Trump’s latest round of tariffs. Trump is set to make the announcement at an event scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST.
While exact figures remain uncertain, speculation is rampant with potential tariff rates of 10%, 20%, or even 25% being discussed. Meanwhile, countries with large trade surpluses with the U.S., like Europe, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and China, are in the danger zone. But it’s not just them. Smaller, developing nations with high trade barriers could also get caught in the storm, making this a global concern.
Asian Markets Hold Steady While European Stocks Dip
Asian markets opened in the red amid tariff uncertainty but largely stabilized as the session progressed. Investors around the world are eagerly waiting for more details on the tariffs, resulting in muted market activity.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rebounded from early losses to close 0.28% higher. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.12% to 7,934.5, while South Korea’s Kospi dipped 0.62%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.015%, and China’s Shanghai Composite inched up 0.051%.
On the other hand, European markets opened lower on Wednesday ahead of the new tariffs announcement. The index of European stocks, Stoxx 600, fell 0.47% as of writing, with most sectors in the red.
Gold Jumps as Traders Seek Safety
Market jitters have fueled a surge in gold prices, pushing them to $3,119.17 per ounce on Wednesday. This marked a sharp rise from under $2,700 at the beginning of the year. Earlier this week, gold surged to a record-high past the $3,100 mark, driven by growing financial uncertainty amid fears of Trump’s trade war.
While the gold rally shows no signs of slowing, its momentum is largely fueled by current events, leaving room for a potential short-term pullback.
Deep Dive into Stocks with TipRanks’ Comparison Tool
Using TipRanks’ comparison tool, we’ve identified global stocks that could be affected by Liberation Day. Investors can explore in-depth research to track how tariffs may impact these stocks.
