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Market Volatility: Stocks Flatten as Powell's Remarks Weigh on Gains

The stock market experienced a turbulent session on Wednesday, ultimately closing near flat after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments on monetary policy and inflation concerns. The S&P 500 ended nearly unchanged , giving back earlier gains as investors digested Powell’s remarks on the Fed’s stance regarding interest rates and economic restraint. Powell reiterated that the central bank remains cautious about inflation, particularly in light of tariff-driven price increases expected over the summer. While the Fed signaled that borrowing costs are likely to decline this year, the pace of future rate cuts appears to be slowing.  Following Powell’s speech, U.S. Treasury yields reversed their earlier declines , influencing market sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 43.83 points (0.10%) , while the Nasdaq Composite managed a slight gain of 23.66 points (0.12%).  Investors also kept a close eye on geopolitical developments, particularly tensions in the Midd...

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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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