U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
Trade Tensions Escalate: China and Canada Strike Back at U.S. Tariffs
In a dramatic escalation of global trade tensions, China and Canada have swiftly retaliated against the sweeping tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. recently enacted a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% increase on Chinese goods, doubling the existing duties to 20%.
China responded by imposing tariffs of up to 15% on key U.S. agricultural products, including chicken, wheat, and corn, while Canada announced immediate tariffs of 25% on $20.7 billion worth of American goods, with plans to expand these measures further. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the U.S. actions, calling them unjustified and a violation of trade agreements.
These retaliatory measures are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers, further straining the already fragile global economy. The trade war shows no signs of abating, with all sides digging in for what could be a prolonged economic standoff.
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