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AI Anxiety and Metal Mayhem Shake U.S. Markets

U.S. stock futures stumbled as renewed doubts about the sustainability of the artificial‑intelligence boom rippled through financial markets. Tech-heavy benchmarks led the decline, with Nasdaq futures sliding and the S&P 500 also moving lower as investors reassessed whether AI-linked valuations have run too far, too fast. The unease wasn’t limited to equities. Precious metals experienced dramatic intraday swings, with gold and silver both whipsawing after a period of rapid gains. Traders pointed to shifting expectations around interest rates and safe‑haven demand as key drivers behind the volatility. The combination of tech-sector skepticism and commodity turbulence has created a tense backdrop for markets. While some investors see the pullback as a healthy reset, others worry it may signal deeper concerns about the durability of the recent rally. Markets now look ahead to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings for clearer direction.

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China Strikes Back: Retaliatory Tariffs Signal Renewed Trade Tensions

 

New U.S. tariffs have come into force, triggering an immediate response from Beijing. As the 10% duty on Chinese exports takes effect, Chinese officials have announced a series of countermeasures aimed at protecting national interests and sending a strong message to Washington.

In a swift reply, China will impose a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas imports, and a 10% levy on U.S. crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large vehicles. The retaliatory measures also extend to the imposition of export controls on key rare earth metals that are critical for high-tech manufacturing and the transition to clean energy. In addition, Chinese regulators have launched an antitrust investigation into Google, further intensifying the dispute.

Although these new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Monday, their announcement underscores Beijing’s readiness to challenge U.S. protectionist policies. China has vowed to defend its interests through legal channels at the World Trade Organization, while also leaving open the possibility for negotiations aimed at de-escalating the growing trade conflict.

These developments highlight that, despite ongoing calls for dialogue, the trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies remains far from resolved.


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