US stocks pushed into the green in the first minutes of trading Tuesday, aiming to recover from steep losses led by fears of AI disruption as President Trump's new global tariff came into effect. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) led the way up, gaining roughly 0.8%, or more than 350 points, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) picked up roughly 0.4%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained 0.5% as AMD (AMD) shares jumped as much as 10% after the chipmaker entered a deal to provide Meta (META) with a hu ...

Core Viewpoint - The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump's use of the IEEPA to impose tariffs exceeded his authority, effectively invalidating the sweeping tariffs that were expected to raise approximately $1.5 trillion over the next decade, which represented about 70% of Trump's second-term tariff program [1][4]. Economic Consequences - The ruling reduces the risk of sudden, sweeping tariff escalations, which lowers the probability of cost shocks to global supply chains, but does not eliminate tariffs entirely [5][14]. - The administration plans to maintain certain tariffs under other authorities, such as Section 232 for national security, and will impose a new 15% global tariff under Section 122 [7][20]. - Economists estimate a modest net reduction in the effective tariff-rate increase from just over 10 percentage points to about 9 since early 2025 [7]. Market Implications - Import-heavy retailers and consumer brands that rely on global supply chains, such as Williams-Sonoma, Nike, Deckers, and Lowe's, could benefit from a less chaotic tariff policy, leading to better earnings visibility [17]. - The ruling may reduce inflation pressure, making the Federal Reserve's path marginally easier, although a 15% tariff still poses challenges [18]. - Domestic producers that benefited from tariff protection may face increased competition, potentially losing some relative advantages [18]. Trade Dynamics - The ruling does not end trade tensions but alters the negotiating dynamics with countries like Canada, Mexico, the EU, and China, as foreign governments now recognize the legal limits on sweeping tariff threats [14][16]. - Trump's continued use of tariffs as a negotiating tool suggests that while the legal pathways are limited, the willingness to escalate remains [16]. Portfolio Outlook - Overall, the ruling leans slightly constructive for diversified, long-term portfolios due to clearer rules governing tariffs, although volatility is expected to continue as the White House pivots to a new tariff strategy [19][20].

Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 821.91 points (-1.66%) at 48,804.06, with Dow Futures falling 857.00 points (-1.73%) to 48,817.00, driven by a sudden 15% blanket tariff announcement that reignited trade war fears and global economic uncertainty [1] - The Federal Reserve's hawkish commentary suggested a "coin flip" for future rate cuts, leading to a significant rotation from cyclical and growth sectors into defensive assets [1] Sector Performance Financial Sector - Financial stocks were the primary laggards amid rising recessionary fears, with American Express (AXP) dropping 7.48% to $320.12, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) falling 4.19% to $297.74, and Goldman Sachs (GS) decreasing by 3.44% [2] Technology Sector - The tech sector faced pressure due to AI-related disruption fears, with Salesforce (CRM) tumbling 5.10%, IBM (IBM) shedding 4.17%, and Microsoft (MSFT) declining by 2.61% [2] Defensive Sectors - Investors sought safety in consumer staples and healthcare, with Walmart (WMT) leading gainers at 2.76% to $126.43, followed by Procter & Gamble (PG) at 2.50%, and McDonald's (MCD) gaining 1.84% [3] - Apple (AAPL) bucked the tech trend with a 1.81% increase to $269.28, while healthcare giants Amgen (AMGN) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) advanced 1.57% and 1.32%, respectively [3]

Market Reaction - The Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's global tariff regime led to a brief rally in the DOW (+0.8%) and S&P 500 (+1.1%) as retailers anticipated the removal of 10% tariffs [2] - Following the ruling, President Trump raised the global tariff rate from 10% to 15%, reversing the positive market sentiment [2] - The immediate reaction in the crypto markets saw Bitcoin (BTC) drop by 5.6% to $68,000, reflecting investor concerns over the trade situation [4] Impact on Companies - Apple (AAPL) is expected to be significantly affected by the increase in tariffs, particularly impacting the upcoming iPhone refresh, as the cost will likely be passed to consumers [5] - The broader tech sector, represented by QQQ, is preparing for a challenging market environment, with a recalibration of risk premiums for U.S. equities [6] - Netflix (NFLX) faced pressure as President Trump demanded the firing of board member Susan Rice, complicating its ongoing acquisition talks with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) [7][8] International Reactions - Internationally, reactions varied, with French President Macron criticizing the U.S. administration's approach to the rule of law, while Canadian Prime Minister Carney navigated trade tensions involving potential 100% tariffs [9][10] Economic Outlook - The DOW futures indicate a potential drop of 400 points, with the VIX rising by 12.4%, reflecting market volatility amid the ongoing trade war and political tensions [11] - The current market dynamics suggest a shift from economic fundamentals to a focus on political maneuvering, with the S&P 500 acting as a barometer for these tensions [11][12]

RT MSB Intel (@MSBIntel)🚨 HOLY SH*T.TRUMP JUST GAVE THE SUPREME COURT THE ULTIMATE MIDDLE FINGER.THEY TRIED TO STRIP HIS TARIFF POWERS THIS MORNING.HE JUST RESPONDED BY SIGNING A BLANKET 10% TARIFF ON THE ENTIRE PLANET THIS AFTERNOON.THE WHITE HOUSE ACTIVATED SECTION 122 OF THE TRADE ACT TO FORCE THE TAXES THROUGH ANYWAY.THE TRADE WAR LITERALLY CANNOT BE STOPPED. 🇺🇸 ...

Core Insights - The U.S. is stockpiling copper, with 590,000 short tons in storage, the highest level in over 30 years, as a strategic response to trade tensions rather than increased mining activity [1] - Copper inventories have surged nearly 300% in the past year, surpassing the combined stocks of the LME and Shanghai exchanges, indicating a significant shift in market dynamics [2] - Traders are preemptively moving copper into the U.S. to avoid impending tariffs of 15%–25% on refined copper, leading to a local surplus while global supplies tighten [3] Market Dynamics - The current copper stockpile may be misleading, as it exists in a structurally tight market, and once tariff uncertainties are resolved, a significant amount of this inventory could be released, potentially causing a price dip [4] - Chamath Palihapitiya views copper as a critical trade for 2026, predicting that AI demand could require 50,000 tons per data center, while supply will take over 20 years to scale, suggesting a long-term structural shortage [5] - The anticipated demand surge driven by AI and electrification could lead to a significant imbalance in the copper market, with the current inventory being a temporary phenomenon [7] Investment Implications - Short-term, the U.S. faces a copper glut due to tariff fears, while long-term projections indicate a potential famine in supply driven by technological advancements [7] - Investors are advised to consider copper and copper-miner ETFs as a means to capitalize on these market trends without holding physical metal [5]

India has managed the trade war with America reasonably well. Whether it can capitalise on any peace depends on how firm the truce proves to be https://t.co/MFIeVXKxsg ...

Core Insights - eQ Plc reported a decline in net revenue and operating profit for the year 2025, with net revenue at EUR 58.2 million, down 11% from EUR 65.6 million in 2024, and operating profit at EUR 27.4 million, down 21% from EUR 34.5 million [4][8] Financial Performance - The Group's net revenue for the Asset Management segment decreased by 3% to EUR 56.9 million, while operating profit fell by 5% to EUR 32.0 million [4][14] - The Corporate Finance segment's net revenue was EUR 1.7 million, a significant drop of 67% from EUR 5.3 million, with an operating profit of EUR -1.4 million compared to EUR 1.5 million in the previous year [4][16] - The Investments segment reported an operating profit of EUR -0.7 million, down from EUR 1.1 million, negatively impacted by changes in the value of residential funds and exchange rate fluctuations [4][17] Key Ratios - Earnings per share decreased by 21% to EUR 0.52 from EUR 0.66, with a proposed dividend also reduced by 21% to EUR 0.52 [5] - The cost/income ratio for the Group increased to 52.9% from 47.4%, indicating higher operational costs relative to income [5] - Return on equity (ROE) fell by 18% to 30.3% from 36.8% [5] Asset Management Insights - eQ Asset Management raised over EUR 230 million for Private Equity and Residential funds, with the eQ PE XVII US fund raising USD 190 million [9] - The management fees for the Asset Management segment fell by 5% to EUR 53.1 million, while performance fees increased by 24% to EUR 4.4 million [4][14] - Assets managed by eQ at the end of 2025 amounted to EUR 13.8 billion, up from EUR 13.4 billion in 2024 [5] Market Conditions - The year 2025 was characterized by geopolitical uncertainties, including the trade war and ongoing conflicts, which influenced market conditions [6][19] - Despite challenges, share prices rose in 2025, supported by strong corporate earnings and developments in artificial intelligence [7] - The Finnish real estate transaction market showed growth compared to the previous year, although overall market liquidity remained low [19][20] Strategic Outlook - eQ's updated strategy aims to return to strong growth by 2030, focusing on enhancing customer and employee experiences and expanding business internationally [18] - The company anticipates an increase in Private Equity allocations in investor portfolios, expecting Private Equity fees to rise in 2026 [22]

Group 1 - President Trump threatened Canada with a 50% tariff on aircraft sold in the U.S. as part of an ongoing trade dispute, following a previous threat of a 100% tariff if Canada proceeded with a trade deal with China [1] - The threat was a response to Canada's refusal to certify jets from Gulfstream Aerospace, with Trump stating that the U.S. would decertify all Canadian aircraft, including those from Bombardier [1] - There are currently 150 Bombardier Global Express aircraft registered in the U.S., operated by 115 operators, highlighting the significance of this market for Bombardier [1] Group 2 - Bombardier has noted the president's threat and is in contact with the Canadian government, asserting that its aircraft meet FAA standards and that it is expanding U.S. operations [1] - The potential decertification of Bombardier aircraft is unprecedented and raises concerns about safety and trade implications, as certification is a critical step for aircraft operation [1] - Other major Canadian aircraft manufacturers include De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and Airbus, which also have significant operations in the U.S. market [1]

Core Insights - U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25%, citing the South Korean National Assembly's failure to ratify a "Historic Trade Agreement" [1][2] Impact on Industries and Companies - The proposed tariff hike targets key sectors of the South Korean economy, specifically automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, along with other "reciprocal" goods [5] - The automotive industry, which constitutes 27% of South Korea's exports to the U.S., will be significantly impacted, with Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. being the most exposed [6][7] - Major pharmaceutical companies like Samsung Biologics and Celltrion are also at risk, as their direct exports of biosimilars could be affected by the tariffs [8] - South Korean semiconductor manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are on alert due to the broader "reciprocal" tariff policy, although the impact may be limited [9] Long-Term Outlook for South Korean ETFs - Despite immediate volatility, the long-term outlook for South Korean ETFs is supported by the South Korean government's efforts to address tariff threats through diplomacy and proposed legislation for a $350 billion investment in the U.S. [10][11] - South Korea's diversified export base and strong balance sheets of leading conglomerates provide a more constructive view for the future [12] - The restoration of the 15% tariff cap is anticipated once the National Assembly clarifies the investment timeline, presenting a potential recovery opportunity for investors [13] ETFs to Watch - **iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY)**: Net assets of $11.24 billion, top holdings include Samsung Electronics (26.48%), SK Hynix (18.37%), and Hyundai Motors (3.11%), with a 116.1% increase over the past year [14][15] - **Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR)**: Net assets of $316.2 million, top holdings include Samsung Electronics (20.26%), SK Hynix (18.75%), and Hyundai Motors (3.13%), with a 106.5% increase over the past year [16] - **Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR)**: Active fund with net assets of $85.9 million, top holdings include Samsung Electronics (24.9%), SK Square (4.6%), and SK Hynix (4.4%), with an 87.5% increase over the past year [17][18]