Market Update
Wall Street Stocks Remain Volatile After Trump Unleashes New Set of Tariffs and Threats
Barry Adams
27 Mar, 2025
New York City
Stock market indexes rebounded from the sharp decline at the start of the regular trading session amid ongoing Trump tariff turmoil.
Market indexes struggled to advance amid heightened anxieties and lingering uncertainties about the Trump administration's trade policy.
The White House announced a fresh set of tariffs targeting automobile makers in Europe and Asia and slapped 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles not made in the United States.
The vague announcement, which lacks details, released on a social media platform owned by the president of the United States, shed little light on how import taxes will be implemented beginning April 2.
The White House is hoping that the retaliatory tariffs will force five key trading partners—Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, and China—to lower their trade barriers to import American goods.
On the economic front, the U.S. goods trade deficit narrowed to a $147.9 billion February from $155.6 billion in January, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday.
Seasonally adjusted goods imports soared 22.5% from a year ago to $326.5 billion, and exports advanced 2.5% from a year ago to $178.6 billion.
The U.S. economy expanded at an annual pace of 2.4% in the fourth quarter, higher than the previous estimate of 2.3%, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday.
The GDP growth was revised higher following the downward revision in the imports in the quarter.
Initial jobless claims for the week ending March 22 declined 1,000 to 224,000 and remained at historically low levels, according to the weekly update released by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Continuing claims , which lag by one week, during the week ending on March 15 eased by 25,000 to 1.86 million.
Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.4% to 5,688.75, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 17,805.94, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.6% to 2,061.84.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.02%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.36%, and 30-year Treasury bonds advanced to 4.74%.
WTI crude oil decreased $0.42 to $69.23 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.01 to $3.88 a therm. unit.
Gold increased by $13.74 to $3,035.11 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.10 to $33.75.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.15 to 104.40 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Stock Movers
General Motors declined 6.2% to $47.74, Tesla jumped 5.5% to $287.22, and Ford Motor Company fell 10% to $10.10.
Dollar Tree soared 10.5% to $76.44 after the discount store chain operator announced its plans to sell Family Dollar for $1 billion to a group of private equity investors.
Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar about a decade ago for $9 billion, ending its disastrous merger with the larger company amid a surge in inflation affecting the core low-income customer base.
Wall Street Stocks Remain Volatile After Trump Unleashes New Set of Tariffs and Threats
Barry Adams
27 Mar, 2025
New York City
Stock market indexes rebounded from the sharp decline at the start of the regular trading session amid ongoing Trump tariff turmoil.
Market indexes struggled to advance amid heightened anxieties and lingering uncertainties about the Trump administration's trade policy.
The White House announced a fresh set of tariffs targeting automobile makers in Europe and Asia and slapped 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles not made in the United States.
The vague announcement, which lacks details, released on a social media platform owned by the president of the United States, shed little light on how import taxes will be implemented beginning April 2.
The White House is hoping that the retaliatory tariffs will force five key trading partners—Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, and China—to lower their trade barriers to import American goods.
On the economic front, the U.S. goods trade deficit narrowed to a $147.9 billion February from $155.6 billion in January, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Thursday.
Seasonally adjusted goods imports soared 22.5% from a year ago to $326.5 billion, and exports advanced 2.5% from a year ago to $178.6 billion.
The U.S. economy expanded at an annual pace of 2.4% in the fourth quarter, higher than the previous estimate of 2.3%, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday.
The GDP growth was revised higher following the downward revision in the imports in the quarter.
Initial jobless claims for the week ending March 22 declined 1,000 to 224,000 and remained at historically low levels, according to the weekly update released by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Continuing claims , which lag by one week, during the week ending on March 15 eased by 25,000 to 1.86 million.
Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.4% to 5,688.75, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 17,805.94, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.6% to 2,061.84.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.02%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.36%, and 30-year Treasury bonds advanced to 4.74%.
WTI crude oil decreased $0.42 to $69.23 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.01 to $3.88 a therm. unit.
Gold increased by $13.74 to $3,035.11 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.10 to $33.75.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.15 to 104.40 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Stock Movers
General Motors declined 6.2% to $47.74, Tesla jumped 5.5% to $287.22, and Ford Motor Company fell 10% to $10.10.
Dollar Tree soared 10.5% to $76.44 after the discount store chain operator announced its plans to sell Family Dollar for $1 billion to a group of private equity investors.
Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar about a decade ago for $9 billion, ending its disastrous merger with the larger company amid a surge in inflation affecting the core low-income customer base.
German Automakers Drag European Markets After U.S. Announced 25% Tariffs
Bridgette Randall
27 Mar, 2025
London
European markets eased sharply after the U.S. announced a new set of tariffs targeting global automobile makers, and the euro edged lower.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris dropped more than 1% after transatlantic tensions rose following the announcement of a new round of tariffs.
The Trump administration slapped a 25% import tax, which will be paid by American consumers, on automobile and automotive parts imports from Asia and Europe.
The White House falsely hopes that the additional tariffs will alter supply chains and convince foreign automakers to set up plants in the U.S.
The move is likely to backfire, as automakers will pass on higher prices to consumers, which will also contribute to inflation and slow down economic growth.
The European Union said it will defend its interests, but the region is open to discussion with the U.S. to find a solution.
"It must be clear that we will not give in to the US. We need to show strength and self-confidence," said Germany's Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck on Thursday.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 1.5% to 22,503.87, the CAC-40 index edged lower 1% to 7,950.04, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.6% to 8,637.70.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.75%, French bonds decreased to 3.45%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.72%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.86%.
The euro increased to $1.08; the British pound was higher at $1.29; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 88.40 Swiss cents.
Brent crude decreased $0.23 to $73.56 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.24 to €41.01 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Automakers fell sharply for the second consecutive day in a row following the announcement of steep tariffs by the Trump administration.
Volkswagen AG decreased 2% to €98.82, Mercedes Benz Group declined 3.6% to €55.94, BMW fell 2.2% to €77.56, and Stellantis NV eased 2.4% to $11.65.
Symrise AG advanced 0.5% to €90.40, and the fragrance company reiterated its outlook and raised its dividend.
Alcon AG jumped 4.5% to CHF 84.02, and the eyecare company agreed to acquire a majority stake in Aurion Biotech to accelerate its Phase 3 development in the U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated the company's lead asset as a Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation.
German Automakers Drag European Markets After U.S. Announced 25% Tariffs
Bridgette Randall
27 Mar, 2025
London
European markets eased sharply after the U.S. announced a new set of tariffs targeting global automobile makers, and the euro edged lower.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris dropped more than 1% after transatlantic tensions rose following the announcement of a new round of tariffs.
The Trump administration slapped a 25% import tax, which will be paid by American consumers, on automobile and automotive parts imports from Asia and Europe.
The White House falsely hopes that the additional tariffs will alter supply chains and convince foreign automakers to set up plants in the U.S.
The move is likely to backfire, as automakers will pass on higher prices to consumers, which will also contribute to inflation and slow down economic growth.
The European Union said it will defend its interests, but the region is open to discussion with the U.S. to find a solution.
"It must be clear that we will not give in to the US. We need to show strength and self-confidence," said Germany's Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck on Thursday.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 1.5% to 22,503.87, the CAC-40 index edged lower 1% to 7,950.04, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.6% to 8,637.70.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.75%, French bonds decreased to 3.45%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.72%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.86%.
The euro increased to $1.08; the British pound was higher at $1.29; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 88.40 Swiss cents.
Brent crude decreased $0.23 to $73.56 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.24 to €41.01 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Automakers fell sharply for the second consecutive day in a row following the announcement of steep tariffs by the Trump administration.
Volkswagen AG decreased 2% to €98.82, Mercedes Benz Group declined 3.6% to €55.94, BMW fell 2.2% to €77.56, and Stellantis NV eased 2.4% to $11.65.
Symrise AG advanced 0.5% to €90.40, and the fragrance company reiterated its outlook and raised its dividend.
Alcon AG jumped 4.5% to CHF 84.02, and the eyecare company agreed to acquire a majority stake in Aurion Biotech to accelerate its Phase 3 development in the U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated the company's lead asset as a Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation.
U.S. Stock Movers: Carparts.com, Dollar Tree, Chewy
Scott Peters
27 Mar, 2025
New York City
Chewy Inc. dropped 0.7% to $33.0 after the online pet food retailer reported increased sales in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 ending in February.
Net sales increased to $3.25 billion from $2.82 billion, net income declined to $22.79 million from $31.89 million, and diluted earnings per share fell to 5 cents from 7 cents a year ago.
For the full year, net sales edged up to $11.86 billion from $11.15 billion, net income surged to $392.74 million from $39.58 million, and diluted earnings per share increased to 91 cents from 9 cents a year ago.
Dollar Tree Inc. eased 0.30% to $69.00 after the deep discount store retailer reported results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 ending in February.
Revenue edged up to $4.99 billion from $4.96 billion, net loss widened to $3.69 billion from a loss of $1.71 billion, and diluted loss per share increased to $17.17 from a loss of $7.83 a year ago.
Same-store net sales in the quarter advanced 2% on 0.7% traffic and 1.3% ticket.
The company agreed to sell its Family Dollar business to Brigade and Macellum for $1.01 billion.
The discount retailer guided for the first quarter of 2025 net sales to be between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion, compared to $7.63 billion in 2024, and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations between $1.10 and $1.25, compared to $1.38 a year ago.
For the full year, Dollar Tree estimated net sales to be between $18.5 billion and $19.1 billion, compared to $17.58 billion in 2024, and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations between $5.00 and $5.50, compared to $4.83 in 2024.
Comparable store net sales are expected to grow in the range of 3% to 5% both in the first quarter and the full year 2025.
Carparts.com Inc. traded flat at $1.00 after the car parts and repair services provider reported lower sales in 2024.
Net sales dropped to $588.85 million from $675.73 million, net loss widened to $40.60 million from $8.22 million, and diluted loss per share increased to 71 cents from a loss of 15 cents a year ago.
In the fourth quarter, net sales declined to $133.5 million from $156.4 million, net loss widened to $15.4 million from $6.1 million, and diluted loss per share increased to 27 cents from a loss of 11 cents a year ago.
U.S. Stock Movers: Carparts.com, Dollar Tree, Chewy
Scott Peters
27 Mar, 2025
New York City
Chewy Inc. dropped 0.7% to $33.0 after the online pet food retailer reported increased sales in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 ending in February.
Net sales increased to $3.25 billion from $2.82 billion, net income declined to $22.79 million from $31.89 million, and diluted earnings per share fell to 5 cents from 7 cents a year ago.
For the full year, net sales edged up to $11.86 billion from $11.15 billion, net income surged to $392.74 million from $39.58 million, and diluted earnings per share increased to 91 cents from 9 cents a year ago.
Dollar Tree Inc. eased 0.30% to $69.00 after the deep discount store retailer reported results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 ending in February.
Revenue edged up to $4.99 billion from $4.96 billion, net loss widened to $3.69 billion from a loss of $1.71 billion, and diluted loss per share increased to $17.17 from a loss of $7.83 a year ago.
Same-store net sales in the quarter advanced 2% on 0.7% traffic and 1.3% ticket.
The company agreed to sell its Family Dollar business to Brigade and Macellum for $1.01 billion.
The discount retailer guided for the first quarter of 2025 net sales to be between $4.5 billion and $4.6 billion, compared to $7.63 billion in 2024, and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations between $1.10 and $1.25, compared to $1.38 a year ago.
For the full year, Dollar Tree estimated net sales to be between $18.5 billion and $19.1 billion, compared to $17.58 billion in 2024, and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations between $5.00 and $5.50, compared to $4.83 in 2024.
Comparable store net sales are expected to grow in the range of 3% to 5% both in the first quarter and the full year 2025.
Carparts.com Inc. traded flat at $1.00 after the car parts and repair services provider reported lower sales in 2024.
Net sales dropped to $588.85 million from $675.73 million, net loss widened to $40.60 million from $8.22 million, and diluted loss per share increased to 71 cents from a loss of 15 cents a year ago.
In the fourth quarter, net sales declined to $133.5 million from $156.4 million, net loss widened to $15.4 million from $6.1 million, and diluted loss per share increased to 27 cents from a loss of 11 cents a year ago.
Europe Movers: Aroundtown, CTS Eventim, Deutsche Wohnen, H&M, Next Plc, Wacker Neuson
Inga Muller
27 Mar, 2025
Frankfurt
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB dropped 1.8% to 130.45 krona after the fashion apparel retailer reported results for the fiscal first quarter of 2025 ending in February.
Net sales increased to SEK 55.33 billion from SEK 53.67 billion, profit slumped to SEK 590 million from SEK 1.24 billion, and earnings per share fell to 37 cents from 77 cents a year ago.
The number of stores declined by 40 stores to 4,213 from 4,338 a year earlier.
The company guided for March 2025 group sales to increase by 1% in local currencies compared to the same month the previous year.
Next Plc. surged 6.2% to 10.610 pence after the UK-based clothing retailer reported increased revenue in fiscal 2024 ending in January.
Revenue jumped to £5.49 billion from £5.03 billion, profit edged up to £802.3 million from £711.7 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 655.9 pence from 570.5 pence a year ago.
“Full-price sales in the first eight weeks of the year have been ahead of our expectations,” the company said in a release to investors.
The company upgraded its sales guidance for the first half of 2025 to be up 6.5% from the previous estimate for 3.5% growth.
Same-store sales in the year ahead are expected to decline by 2%.
For the full year, pre-tax profit guidance is increased by £20 million to £1.07 billion, up 5.4%, and accounting for anticipated share buybacks, the company expects post-tax earnings per share to be up 8.5%.
Next, it proposed a final dividend of 158 pence per share, payable on August 1 to shareholders on record as of July 4, taking the total dividends for the year to 233 pence per share.
Shares will trade ex-dividend from July 3.
In addition, Next intends to return £316 million of surplus cash to shareholders by way of share buybacks in 2025-2026.
CTS Eventim AG gained 0.4% to €100.70 ahead of the company’s earnings release in the afternoon.
According to preliminary data issued by the German ticketing and live entertainment company, revenue in 2024 increased to €2.81 billion from €2.4 billion a year ago, helped by a strong fourth quarter and international acquisitions.
The company will distribute a dividend of €1.66 per share for 2024, compared to €1.43 per share in 2023.
Aroundtown SA surged 3.5% to €2.43 after the real estate company reported results for 2024.
Revenue declined to €1.54 billion from €1.60 billion, profit came up at €52.9 million compared to a loss of €1.99 billion, and diluted earnings per share were 5 cents compared to a loss of €1.82 a year ago.
The company guided for fiscal 2025 funds from operations to range between €280 million and €310 million, compared to €316 million in 2024.
FFO per share is estimated to be between 26 cents and 28 cents, compared to 29 cents in 2024.
Deutsche Wohnen SE gained 0.6% to €19.86 after the German property management company reported higher sales in 2024.
Revenue from property management edged up to €1.38 billion from €1.31 billion, net loss shrank to €590.5 million from a loss of €2.70 billion, and loss per share declined to €1.49 from a loss of €6.80 a year ago.
Residential real estate company Vonovia SE holds 86.87% of the shares of Deutsche Wohnen, indirectly and directly, as of the end of December, while 12.3% of the shares were in free float as defined by the German stock exchange.
Deutsche Wohnen’s own shares account for 0.84%.
The company plans to distribute a dividend of 4 cents per share for 2024.
Wacker Neuson SE surged 2.6% to €21.85 after the Germany-based construction equipment provider reported lower earnings and sales in 2024 amid weak market demand.
Revenue declined to €2.23 billion from €2.65 billion, profit slumped to €70.2 million from €185.9 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to €1.03 from €2.73 a year ago.
The company lowered its dividend by 48% to 60 cents per share from €1.15 in 2023.
“Incoming order intake has been positive since the beginning of the year,” the company said in a release to investors.
“After a weak first quarter of 2025, revenue and EBIT are expected to improve increasingly over the course of the year,” the company added in the statement.
Wacker Neuson guided for the full year 2025 revenue to range between €2.10 billion and €2.30 billion and EBIT margin between 6.5% and 7.5%, compared to 5.5% in 2024.
Europe Movers: Aroundtown, CTS Eventim, Deutsche Whonen, H&M, Next Plc, Wacker Neuson
Inga Muller
27 Mar, 2025
Frankfurt
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB dropped 1.8% to 130.45 krona after the fashion apparel retailer reported results for the fiscal first quarter2025 ending in February.
Net sales increased to SEK 55.33 billion from SEK 53.67 billion, profit slumped to SEK 590 million from SEK 1.24 billion, and earnings per share fell to 37 cents from 77 cents a year ago.
The number of stores declined by 40 stores to 4,213 from 4,338 a year earlier.
The company guided for March 2025 group sales to increase by 1% in local currencies compared to the same month the previous year.
Next Plc. surged 6.2% to 10.610 pence after the UK-based clothing retailer reported increased revenue in fiscal 2024 ending in January.
Revenue jumped to £5.49 billion from £5.03 billion, profit edged up to £802.3 million from £711.7 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 655.9 pence from 570.5 pence a year ago.
“Full price sales in the first eight weeks of the year have been ahead of our expectations,” the company said in a release to investors.
The company upgraded its sales guidance for the first half of 2025 to be up 6.5% from the previous estimate for 3.5% growth.
Same-store sales in the year ahead are expected to decline by 2%.
For the full year, pre-tax profit guidance is increased by £20 million to £1.07 billion, up 5.4%, and accounting for anticipated share buybacks, the company expects post-tax earnings per share to be up 8.5%.
Next proposed a final dividend of 158 pence per share, payable on August 1 to shareholders on record as of July 4, taking the total dividends for the year to 233 pence per share.
Shares will trade ex-dividend from July 3.
In addition, Next intends to return £316 million of surplus cash to shareholders by way of share buybacks in 2025-2026.
CTS Eventim AG gained 0.4% to €100.70 ahead of the company’s earnings release in the afternoon.
According to preliminary data issued by the German ticketing and live entertainment company, revenue in 2024 increased to €2.81 billion from €2.4 billion a year ago, helped by a strong fourth quarter and international acquisitions.
The company will distribute a dividend of €1.66 per share for 2024, compared to €1.43 per share in 2023.
Aroundtown SA surged 3.5% to €2.43 after the real estate company reported results for 2024.
Revenue declined to €1.54 billion from €1.60 billion, profit came up at €52.9 million compared to a loss of €1.99 billion, and diluted earnings per share were 5 cents compared to a loss of €1.82 a year ago.
The company guided for fiscal 2025 funds from operations to range between €280 million and €310 million, compared to €316 million in 2024.
FFO per share are estimated to be between 26 cents and 28 cents, compared to 29 cents in 2024.
Deutsche Wohnen SE gained 0.6% to €19.86 after the German property management company reported higher sales in 2024.
Revenue from property management edged up to €1.38 billion from €1.31 billion, net loss shrank to €590.5 million from a loss of €2.70 billion, and loss per share declined to €1.49 from a loss of €6.80 a year ago.
Residential real estate company Vonovia SE holds 86.87% of the shares of Deutsche Wohnen, indirectly and directly, as of the end of December, while 12.3% of the shares were in free float as defined by the German stock exchange.
Deutsche Wohnen’s own shares account for 0.84%.
The company plans to distribute a dividend of 4 cents per share for 2024.
Wacker Neuson SE surged 2.6% to €21.85 after the Germany-based construction equipment provider reported lower earnings and sales in 2024 amid weak market demand.
Revenue declined to €2.23 billion from €2.65 billion, profit slumped to €70.2 million from €185.9 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to €1.03 from €2.73 a year ago.
The company lowered its dividend by 48% to 60 cents per share from €1.15 in 2023.
“Incoming order intake has been positive since the beginning of the year,” the company said in a release to investors.
“After a weak first quarter of 2025, revenue and EBIT are expected to improve increasingly over the course of the year,” the company added in the statement.
Wacker Neuson guided for the full year 2025 revenue to range between €2.10 billion and €2.30 billion, and EBIT margin between 6.5% and 7.5%, compared to 5.5% in 2024.
Japanese Automakers Fall 2% After U.S. Slaps 25% Tariffs on Imported Vehicles
Akira Ito
27 Mar, 2025
Tokyo
Stocks faced renewed selling pressure in Tokyo after the U.S. slapped stiff tariffs on vehicle and parts imports from key trading partners.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped as much as 0.9%, and the broader TOPIX closed up a fraction amid rising trade tensions with the U.S.
The U.S. slapped 25% tariffs on all vehicles and automobile parts imports starting next week, as the Trump administration escalated the tariff war and announced a fresh list of products.
The Trump administration added that tariffs are "permanent," and the U.S. president is not interested in negotiating with key trading partners—Japan, China, Mexico, the European Union, and Canada.
The yen traded at 150.76 against the U.S. dollar after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda told the parliament committee that the central bank plans to keep raising rates if economic projects are met in the future.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 37,799.97, and the broader TOPIX index edged up 0.1% to 2,815.47.
Toyota Motor decreased 2% to ¥2,828.50, Honda Motor declined 1.5% to ¥1,456.0, and Nissan Motor fell 1.7% to ¥410.60.
Panasonic Holdings decreased 1.3% to ¥1,838.0, Nidec Corp fell 1.4% to ¥2,669.0, and Fujikura Ltd dropped 7% to ¥5,831.0.
Japanese Automakers Fall 2% After U.S. Slaps 25% Tariffs on Imported Vehicles
Akira Ito
27 Mar, 2025
Tokyo
Stocks faced renewed selling pressure in Tokyo after the U.S. slapped stiff tariffs on vehicle and parts imports from key trading partners.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped as much as 0.9%, and the broader TOPIX closed up a fraction amid rising trade tensions with the U.S.
The U.S. slapped 25% tariffs on all vehicles and automobile parts imports starting next week, as the Trump administration escalated the tariff war and announced a fresh list of products.
The Trump administration added that tariffs are "permanent," and the U.S. president is not interested in negotiating with key trading partners—Japan, China, Mexico, the European Union, and Canada.
The yen traded at 150.76 against the U.S. dollar after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda told the parliament committee that the central bank plans to keep raising rates if economic projects are met in the future.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.6% to 37,799.97, and the broader TOPIX index edged up 0.1% to 2,815.47.
Toyota Motor decreased 2% to ¥2,828.50, Honda Motor declined 1.5% to ¥1,456.0, and Nissan Motor fell 1.7% to ¥410.60.
Panasonic Holdings decreased 1.3% to ¥1,838.0, Nidec Corp fell 1.4% to ¥2,669.0, and Fujikura Ltd dropped 7% to ¥5,831.0.
China and Hong Kong Indexes Advance and Overlook Fresh U.S. Tariffs
Li Chen
27 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong advanced despite the U.S. announcing tariffs on automobile products.
The Hang Seng index advanced 1% and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index gained 0.4%, as investors looked at the new U.S. tariffs.
The Trump administration announced 25% tariffs on automobiles and automobile products from all countries.
Shipments from Mexico, Canada, and the European Union are likely to be impacted most negatively.
Electric vehicle makers advanced because most Chinese companies have little exposure to the U.S. market.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index jumped 1% to 23,729.33, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.4% to 3,935.86.
BYD gained 2% to HK $406.60, Li Auto advanced HK $103.90, Xpeng decreased 1.5% to HK $80.05, and NIO dropped 4.3% to HK $32.65.
Three new companies were listed on the stock exchange in China.
Soft International Group, the maker of personal hygiene disposable products, advanced 25% to HK$0.62 after the company listed its stock on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Zhejiang Huaye Plastics Machinery, a maker of high-speed resistant industrial components, jumped more than 180% to 58.04 yuan in Shenzhen trading.
Zhejiang Huayuan Auto Technology, the maker of automotive components, jumped five-fold to 25.86 yuan in Shenzhen trading.
China and Hong Kong Indexes Advance and Overlook Fresh U.S. Tariffs
Li Chen
27 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong advanced despite the U.S. announcing tariffs on automobile products.
The Hang Seng index advanced 1% and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index gained 0.4%, as investors looked at the new U.S. tariffs.
The Trump administration announced 25% tariffs on automobiles and automobile products from all countries.
Shipments from Mexico, Canada, and the European Union are likely to be impacted most negatively.
Electric vehicle makers advanced because most Chinese companies have little exposure to the U.S. market.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index jumped 1% to 23,729.33, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.4% to 3,935.86.
BYD gained 2% to HK $406.60, Li Auto advanced HK $103.90, Xpeng decreased 1.5% to HK $80.05, and NIO dropped 4.3% to HK $32.65.
Three new companies were listed on the stock exchange in China.
Soft International Group, the maker of personal hygiene disposable products, advanced 25% to HK$0.62 after the company listed its stock on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Zhejiang Huaye Plastics Machinery, a maker of high-speed resistant industrial components, jumped more than 180% to 58.04 yuan in Shenzhen trading.
Zhejiang Huayuan Auto Technology, the maker of automotive components, jumped five-fold to 25.86 yuan in Shenzhen trading.
Wall Street Indexes Face Another Wave of Selling Amid Tariff Turmoil
Barry Adams
26 Mar, 2025
New York City
Wall Street indexes faced another wave of selling as the tariff deadline loomed and investors turned cautious.
The S&P 500 index decreased as much as 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.5% after tech leaders faced renewed pressure ahead of a fresh round of tariffs.
The Trump administration is set to announce a new set of tariffs as early as next week; however, investors are confused amid the constantly changing narrative and lack of details.
Investors are looking for signs of inflation and economic slowdown amid a sharp decline in consumer sentiment and rising prices.
Moreover, businesses are in a holding pattern and postponing investment plans amid a lack of clarity about the tax on imports from China, Japan, India, and the European Union.
Pharmaceutical and automobile makers are expected to face a new wave of import taxes on ingredients, components, and parts.
On the economic front, durable goods orders advanced 0.9% from the previous month to $289.3 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.
The January orders were upwardly revised to 3.3%.
Excluding transportation, orders increased 0.7%, while excluding defense, orders advanced 0.8%.
However, non-defense orders excluding aircraft, a barometer for capital goods spending, declined 0.3% from the previous month and fell for the first time in four months.
Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1% to 5,773.17, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 18,185.00, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.5% to 2,099.38.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.01%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.35%, and 30-year Treasury bonds advanced to 4.69%.
WTI crude oil increased $0.68 to $69.68 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.04 to $3.88 a thermal unit.
Gold increased by $2.13 to $3,023.16 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.04 to $33.71.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, increased by 0.15 to 104.34 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Stock Movers
Dollar Tree Inc. increased 2.1% to $68.50, and the deep discount store chain operator reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings in the fourth quarter.
The company said it plans to spin off its Family Dollar business for $1 billion, which the company acquired for $9 billion in 2015.
GameStop Corp. soared 16% to $28.10 after the company's board approved a plan to buy bitcoin and stablecoins with a portion of its cash and diversify its holdings.
Chewy Inc. jumped 5% to $35.34, and the online pet food store reported higher-than-expected fourth quarter revenue of $3.5 billion and adjusted earnings of 28 cents per share.
Worthington Enterprises gained 2.8% to $42.80, and the industrial and consumer cylinder tank maker reported a decline in earnings, but adjusted earnings surpassed expectations.
Revenue in the fiscal third quarter decreased 4% to $42.80, and adjusted earnings were 90 cents per share.
Wall Street Indexes Face Another Wave of Selling Amid Tariff Turmoil
Barry Adams
26 Mar, 2025
New York City
Wall Street indexes faced another wave of selling as the tariff deadline loomed and investors turned cautious.
The S&P 500 index decreased as much as 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.5% after tech leaders faced renewed pressure ahead of a fresh round of tariffs.
The Trump administration is set to announce a new set of tariffs as early as next week; however, investors are confused amid the constantly changing narrative and lack of details.
Investors are looking for signs of inflation and economic slowdown amid a sharp decline in consumer sentiment and rising prices.
Moreover, businesses are in a holding pattern and postponing investment plans amid a lack of clarity about the tax on imports from China, Japan, India, and the European Union.
Pharmaceutical and automobile makers are expected to face a new wave of import taxes on ingredients, components, and parts.
On the economic front, durable goods orders advanced 0.9% from the previous month to $289.3 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.
The January orders were upwardly revised to 3.3%.
Excluding transportation, orders increased 0.7%, while excluding defense, orders advanced 0.8%.
However, non-defense orders excluding aircraft, a barometer for capital goods spending, declined 0.3% from the previous month and fell for the first time in four months.
Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1% to 5,773.17, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 18,185.00, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.5% to 2,099.38.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.01%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.35%, and 30-year Treasury bonds advanced to 4.69%.
WTI crude oil increased $0.68 to $69.68 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.04 to $3.88 a thermal unit.
Gold increased by $2.13 to $3,023.16 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.04 to $33.71.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, increased by 0.15 to 104.34 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Stock Movers
Dollar Tree Inc. increased 2.1% to $68.50, and the deep discount store chain operator reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings in the fourth quarter.
The company said it plans to spin off its Family Dollar business for $1 billion, which the company acquired for $9 billion in 2015.
GameStop Corp. soared 16% to $28.10 after the company's board approved a plan to buy bitcoin and stablecoins with a portion of its cash and diversify its holdings.
Chewy Inc. jumped 5% to $35.34, and the online pet food store reported higher-than-expected fourth quarter revenue of $3.5 billion and adjusted earnings of 28 cents per share.
Worthington Enterprises gained 2.8% to $42.80, and the industrial and consumer cylinder tank maker reported a decline in earnings, but adjusted earnings surpassed expectations.
Revenue in the fiscal third quarter decreased 4% to $42.80, and adjusted earnings were 90 cents per share.
European Markets Hovered Near Record Highs, UK Inflation Edged Lower In February
Bridgette Randall
26 Mar, 2025
London
European markets lacked direction ahead of the possible U.S. trade tariffs.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris declined, but they edged higher in London as investors prepared for the start of the upcoming earnings season in two weeks.
Market volatility in London was above normal ahead of the release of the Spring Statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
Investors are hoping that the new administration will focus on cutting expenses by as much as £10 billion and refrain from raising taxes.
Market sentiment in the eurozone has been positive after German lawmakers approved raising the debt limit and setting up a special fund to invest in infrastructure.
The historic debt reform decision has raised expectations of higher revenue for defense and technology companies in the region, and Germany is expected to spend as much as 500 billion or about 11% of its GDP on improving its aging infrastructure.
On the earnings front, the UK's consumer price inflation edged slightly lower to 2.8% in February from 3.0% in January, according to the report released by the Office for National Statistics.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 0.1% to 23,089.22, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.2% to 8,090.63, and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.2% to 8,678.26.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.79%, French bonds increased to 3.48%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.73%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.89%.
The euro increased to $1.08; the British pound was lower at $1.29; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 88.33 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.09 to $73.11 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.41 to €40.72 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Vistry Group PLC declined 6% to 609.0 pence after the UK-based home builder reported a sharp decline in earnings in 2024.
Revenue increased to £3.78 billion from £3.56 billion, profit slumped to £74.5 million from £215.0 million, and diluted earnings per share fell to 21.8 pence from 61.3 pence a year ago.
Total completions increased 7% to 17,225 units from 16,118 units in 2023, with partner-funded completions up 18% to 12,633 units from 10,722 units a year ago, and average selling prices remained firm.
Aroundtown SA decreased 5% to €2.23, and Germany's largest landlord reported a decline of 5% in Funds from Operations to €316 million.
Wacker Neuson SE rose 0.7% to €21.40, and the construction equipment maker reported a 16% decline in revenue in 2024.
Porsche Automobil Holding SE increased 0.5% to €37.89, and the German luxury automaker reported a smaller-than-expected loss of €20 billion.
Revenue declined to €40.08 billion from €40.53 billion, net income edged down to €3.48 billion from €5.63 billion, and earnings per diluted share fell to €3.94 from €5.66 a year ago.
The company delivered 310,718 vehicles in 2024, compared to 320,221 a year earlier, and launched its second all-electric model, the new Macan.
The company said it plans to continue investing in diversifying its product portfolio and seek opportunities in the defense sector.