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Trump's Tariff Shake-Up: Global Trade Faces New Challenges

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping 10% tariffs on imports from all trading partners, marking a significant escalation in global trade tensions. These tariffs, described as "baseline," aim to address what Trump perceives as unfair trade practices and chronic trade deficits. While the announcement has sent ripples across international markets, the specific impact on Canada remains uncertain. Canada, a close trading partner of the U.S., has previously faced tariffs on steel, aluminum, and energy imports under Trump's administration. The new measures could further strain bilateral relations and affect key Canadian industries. Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly preparing Canada's response, as the trade war becomes a central issue in the upcoming federal election. Trump's move has sparked debates among economists and policymakers, with critics warning of potential economic fallout and supporters praising the tariffs as a step toward ...

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Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Hits Fresh Record as All Eyes Turn to Fed Decision

                                      
    
Wall Street closed the trading session on a high note Tuesday, as investors braced for the results of a crucial Federal Reserve policy meeting. Here are the key highlights:

  1. S&P 500 Record High: The S&P 500 rose close to 0.6%, beating back earlier losses to close at a fresh record high of 5,178.51. This surge reflects optimism and resilience in the face of recent market volatility.

  2. Dow Jones Industrial Average: The Dow Jones Industrial Average also performed well, rising 0.8%, which translates to more than 300 points. This gain underscores the market’s confidence in the current economic landscape.

  3. Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite increased by almost 0.4%, with Nvidia shares gaining ground following AI updates from its annual developer conference. This tech-driven momentum contributed to a second-straight winning day for major stock indices.

Attention is firmly on the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which began Tuesday morning. Investors are keenly observing this meeting as a test for stocks that have been bruised by recent inflation surprises. The central question: Will the Fed signal any interest-rate cuts soon? Policymakers are widely expected to keep rates at their historic highs, but all eyes are on the “dot plot” for clues about the number and timing of any cuts this year. The policy decision is due Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.

While the Fed deliberates, the Bank of Japan has made waves by ending its era of negative rates with its first hike in 17 years. This move adds to the intrigue of a week packed with central bank decisions. Meanwhile, in the world of cryptocurrencies, bitcoin continues to pull back from its recent record high, falling over 5% at one point. Shares of crypto-linked companies like Coinbase and Marathon Digital have also experienced losses alongside the token.

On the corporate front, shares of Unilever popped after the company announced plans to cut jobs and spin off its ice cream unit. These strategic moves reflect the dynamic landscape of global markets and investor sentiment.

In summary, the stock market’s resilience, coupled with central bank decisions and corporate developments, sets the stage for an eventful week. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, navigating volatility while keeping an eye on policy shifts and economic indicators.

Remember, investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Stay informed, diversify your portfolio, and make decisions based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.


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