Trade Wars 2.0 - news and analysis

The second presidency of Donald Trump initiated escalation of tariffs that triggered significant financial movements. These actions may to increased costs for businesses and consumers, disrupted supply chains, and created market uncertainty. Retaliatory tariffs from affected nations can further strain global trade, impacting economic growth and prompting concerns about long-term financial stability.

Asia open: Wall Street slumps as Kevin Warsh delivers hawkish hold, GBP/USD’s plunge hits support ahead of BoE

Global markets reacted sharply after the Federal Reserve delivered a hawkish hold at its June 2026 FOMC meeting. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh kept interest rates unchanged but surprised investors by removing traditional forward guidance and signalling a stronger data-dependent policy framework. The shift triggered a selloff in US equities, boosted the US dollar, pressured gold prices, and reinforced expectations that the Fed could still raise interest rates before the end of 2026.

18-06-2026 04:39 GMT by Kelvin Wong

Risk-on “TACO” redux: Intraday outlook on Nasdaq 100, DJIA, AUD/USD and Gold

Global markets have surged after the US and Iran announced an interim agreement to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 3% while risk-sensitive assets rallied sharply on renewed optimism. Traders remain cautious as no official agreement text has been released, sanctions details remain unclear, and geopolitical risks involving Israel continue to threaten the fragile peace process. Key technical levels across Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones, AUD/USD, and Gold in focus.

15-06-2026 09:35 GMT by Kelvin Wong