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: Tech rout deepens and Middle East tensions fuel market tremors

Global markets entered a risk-off phase amid a deep technology selloff, escalating Middle East tensions, and stronger-than-expected US employment data. Semiconductor stocks led losses amid growing concerns over AI valuations, while rising oil prices following Iran-Israel hostilities revived inflation fears. Meanwhile, robust US payrolls data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike, pushing Treasury yields and the US dollar higher while pressuring global equities.

08-06-2026 02:09 GMT by Kelvin Wong

Asia open: S&P 500 nabs records on US - Iran ceasefire extension amid Hot PCE inflation shock

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached fresh record highs after the US and Iran extended their ceasefire agreement, improving global risk sentiment and easing energy market tensions. However, hotter-than-expected US core PCE inflation at 3.3% y/y reinforced expectations for prolonged restrictive Federal Reserve policy. Meanwhile, the AI infrastructure boom continued to dominate markets as major technology firms delivered strong earnings and funding milestones.

29-05-2026 04:03 GMT by Kelvin Wong