Futures-options traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange's NYSE American (AMEX) in New York City, U.S., February 23, 2026.Investors lost their sense of security in the business of cybersecurity companies after Anthropic on Friday launched Claude Code Security, which it said can scan code for vulnerabilities and suggest solutions. Shares of CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks and Cloudflare slumped, but it was IBM that was hit the worst, plunging nearly 13.2%.European markets also had a day in th ...

UK businesses are facing uncertainty and higher costs as Donald Trump's new global tariff hike is set to take effect from Tuesday.Governments worldwide have been scrambling for information since Friday when the US Supreme Court struck down his "Liberation Day" tariffs policy, and the president announced a temporary tax of 15% on imports into the US from all countries. Money blog: 'Sporadic shortages' of four items on supermarket shelves as supply hit Tariffs: "There's a lot of confusion' Many British bus ...

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a new global 15% tariff on all imports by the U.S. poses a significant risk to existing trade deals with Europe, leading to concerns and uncertainty among European officials [1][3][12]. Trade Policy Changes - President Trump announced a new universal 10% tariff following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous global tariffs policy, later increasing it to 15%, which is the legal maximum for 150 days without Congressional approval [2][12]. - The new import duties are effective immediately, impacting EU exports to the U.S. with a 15% duty and U.K. exports with a 10% levy [3][4]. European Response - European officials expressed alarm over the new tariff policy, indicating it could disrupt trade agreements made with the U.S. last year [3][10]. - The Chair of the European Parliament's committee on International Trade criticized the U.S. administration's approach, calling it "pure tariff chaos" and highlighting the uncertainty it creates for trading partners [6][7]. Legal and Trade Deal Implications - The European Parliament's trade committee plans to hold an emergency meeting to assess the implications of the new tariffs, with proposals to suspend the U.S.-EU trade deal until clarity is provided [7][10]. - French Trade Minister suggested a united European response against the U.S. tariffs, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach [10]. Impact on U.K. Trade - The U.K. faces a 2.1 percentage point increase in its average tariff rate due to the new policy, while the EU sees a 0.8 point rise, potentially putting the U.K. at a competitive disadvantage [16]. - A U.K. government spokesperson expressed confidence in maintaining a privileged trading position with the U.S. and indicated ongoing discussions to understand the tariff impacts [11][12]. Market Reactions - European markets reacted negatively to the tariff announcement, reflecting investor concerns over the potential disruptions in trade relationships [17]. - European Central Bank President warned that the trans-Atlantic business relationship could suffer due to the uncertainty surrounding the new trade policies [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - India's trade negotiators will reschedule their visit to Washington, D.C. to finalize an interim trade deal with the U.S. following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs [1][2]. Group 1: Trade Negotiations - The meeting will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient date after both sides evaluate the latest developments and their implications [2]. - India's chief negotiator, Darpan Jain, and his team were initially set to begin a three-day meeting in the U.S. later this week [2]. Group 2: Tariff Changes - India is currently facing a 25% reciprocal tariff, which was expected to decrease to 18% after an interim deal was agreed upon earlier this month [3]. - The joint statement from the U.S. and India indicates that either country may modify its commitments in response to changes in agreed-upon tariffs [3]. - India, like other countries, will now face a 15% tariff in addition to the most-favored-nation status rates, which typically range from 2-3% [4].

Trump tariff reversal could cut costs for US energy firms but will likely leave broader flows unchanged | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]- Companies- Summary- Concerns remain over alternative US tariff strategies- Supreme Court ruling could lower costs for US oil producers- Tariff reversal may not change US-China energy trade dynamicsHOUSTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court's Friday decision to strike down ...

Core Insights - Ecuadorean shrimp exports reached a record $8.4 billion in 2025, marking a 20% year-on-year increase, driven by higher U.S. tariffs and consistent sector investment [1] - Shrimp has become Ecuador's top export, surpassing oil, which generated $7.18 billion in exports, a 19% decline from the previous year [5] Export Dynamics - The U.S. tariffs imposed on India, the largest shrimp supplier to the U.S., provided a competitive advantage for Ecuador, which faced lower tariffs [2] - China remains the largest market for Ecuadorian shrimp, accounting for approximately 48% of total output, while the U.S. market has grown to 22-23% due to investments in value-added products [3] Future Outlook - The industry aims to maintain export volumes and target a growth of around 5% in 2026, despite external uncertainties and aggressive competition [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is considering adjustments to its steel and aluminium tariff policies due to increasing pressure from businesses, global allies, and lawmakers [1] Group 1: Tariff Adjustments - The administration is reviewing the duties imposed last year, particularly those affecting derivative products made from steel and aluminium [1] - Companies have expressed concerns that these tariffs are challenging to calculate and enforce [1]

Core Viewpoint - Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran challenges the prevailing belief that American consumers bear the burden of trade tariffs, suggesting that the actual burden may not be shouldered by Americans as commonly thought [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Burden Analysis - Miran indicates that the accounting treatment of tariffs may obscure the true burden, as it may appear that a U.S. entity is bearing the cost when it is actually a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign company [2]. - This perspective contradicts the common view among economists that tariffs lead to higher prices for American consumers [2]. Group 2: Economic Impact of Tariffs - Miran believes that many experts are gradually aligning with his view that the impact of tariffs on the economy has been "quite muted" over time [3]. - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell previously stated that tariffs are likely to result in a "one-time" price increase, with the effects on goods prices expected to peak and then decline, assuming no new major tariff increases occur [3].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. policy actions are driving gold prices higher, reinforcing its role as a fear index for investors [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Trump administration's policy actions, including renewed attacks on the Federal Reserve and threats of trade tariffs, are increasing market fear and driving investors towards gold [1] - Geopolitical tensions are also contributing to the shift in investor sentiment, favoring gold over sovereign bonds and currencies [1] Group 2: Investor Behavior - Stress in Japanese government bonds and a weakening U.S. dollar are further pushing investors to seek refuge in precious metals like gold [1]

Core Insights - Alcoa Corporation's Aluminum segment is experiencing strong demand in North America and Europe, particularly in the electrical and packaging markets, alongside progress on the San Ciprián smelter restart [1][8] Demand and Market Trends - The demand for aluminum has significantly increased due to the rising popularity of lighter and energy-efficient electric vehicles, recycled aluminum, and rechargeable batteries. Additionally, the growth in global air travel has led aircraft manufacturers to increase production, boosting demand for aluminum alloys [2] Production and Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Alcoa's aluminum production rose by 1% sequentially to 579,000 metric tons, with third-party revenues increasing by 4% due to higher average realized prices. The U.S. administration's decision to raise tariffs on imported aluminum to 50% has positively impacted domestic producers like Alcoa by increasing aluminum prices [3][8] - Alcoa anticipates aluminum production for 2025 to be between 2.3 million and 2.5 million tonnes, with shipments expected to range from 2.5 million to 2.6 million tonnes [4][8] Peer Comparison - Constellium SE's Packaging & Automotive Rolled Products segment saw shipments increase by 4% year-over-year to 820,000 metric tons in the first nine months of 2025, with revenues rising by 17% to $3.2 billion [5] - Olympic Steel, Inc.'s Specialty Metals Flat Products segment achieved its highest shipping volume in three years, with shipments up 6.1% year-over-year to 96,911 metric tons and revenues increasing by 5% to $405.1 million [6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Alcoa's shares have increased by 27.2% over the past month, outperforming the industry's growth of 24.1% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.28X, which is above the industry's average of 11.80X, and holds a Value Score of B [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcoa's 2025 earnings has risen by 7.5% over the past 60 days, indicating positive sentiment [10]