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Futures Slip as Geopolitical Tensions Overshadow Strong Bank Earnings

  US stock futures edged lower as investors balanced upbeat bank earnings against rising geopolitical unease tied to escalating tensions involving Iran. Contracts tied to the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all traded in the red, signaling a cautious start to the trading day. Major banks delivered solid quarterly results, with strong trading revenue and resilient consumer activity helping lift sentiment in the financial sector. Yet the optimism was tempered by concerns that potential US responses to developments in Iran could inject fresh volatility into global markets. Energy prices climbed as traders braced for possible disruptions. The pullback comes at a moment when investors are already navigating a crowded landscape of economic data, inflation readings, and policy uncertainty. With markets on edge, even strong corporate performance wasn’t enough to counter the broader risk-off mood.

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Trump Proposes 25% Tariffs on Autos, Pharmaceuticals, and Semiconductor Chips

 

In a move that could significantly impact international trade, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on automobile, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor chip imports. The announcement was made during a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he outlined his intentions to reshape global trade policies.

Trump stated that the tariffs on auto imports would be "in the neighborhood of 25 percent" and are set to be implemented as early as April 2. This date coincides with the day his cabinet members are expected to deliver reports outlining options for various import duties. The proposed tariffs aim to address what Trump perceives as unfair treatment of U.S. automotive exports in foreign markets.

In addition to automobiles, Trump plans to impose similar tariffs on imported semiconductors and pharmaceutical goods. He mentioned that the government could collect 25% or higher in taxes for these imports, with the rates potentially increasing over the course of a year. Trump emphasized that he wants to give companies in these industries some time to build factories in the U.S. to avoid the new tariffs.

The proposed tariffs have raised concerns among economists and industry experts, who warn that they could lead to higher prices for consumers and increased costs for businesses. The automotive industry, in particular, could see significant price hikes, as nearly half of vehicle sales in the U.S. last year were imported from foreign countries.

Trump's announcement is part of a broader effort to promote "balanced" trade with foreign markets and encourage the reshoring of strategic industries. While the proposed tariffs could have far-reaching effects, Trump believes they will ultimately benefit the U.S. economy in the long run.


: [Yahoo News](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-plans-to-impose-25-percent-tariffs-on-automobile-and-semiconductor-imports-130044480.html)

: [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/trump-tariffs-pharma-chips-auto-25-percent-1.7462509)

: [MSN](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/trump-plans-to-impose-25-tariffs-on-autos-chips-and-pharmaceuticals/ar-AA1zkWCA)

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