Tariff pause spurs global market jump, but US futures down
Share and Follow


() World markets skyrocketed Thursday in the wake of President Donald Trump’s 90-day tariff pause, though Wall Street futures remain in the red.

Trump on Wednesday pulled back on a majority of his tariffs, issuing a 90-day pause on the levies. Notable exceptions include China, which now faces a 125% tariff, and a 10% baseline tariff that went into effect on April 5.

In response, Asian and European markets jumped in early trading: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 saw a 9.1% leap, while Germany’s DAX initially gained 5.6%.

Futures for the United States’ three major indices weren’t looking so rosy Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 down by at least 1.5%. Oil prices also dropped.

The projections follow Wednesday’s 9.5% S&P surge, which marked its third-best day since 1940.

Late Wednesday night, Trump touted the gains on social media, writing, “What a day, but more great days coming!!!”

The announcement came after days of denial from the White House that any such pause was in the works, calling reports earlier this week “fake news.”

Trump has since called his decision the result of “flexibility” and said he had been thinking about a tariff walkback over the last few days.

Trump tariff pause: EU pauses countermeasures, China remains firm

The European Union has paused its countermeasures tariffs on $23 billion of U.S. goods for 90 days.

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said on X: “We took note of the announcement by President Trump. We want to give negotiations a chance … If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in.”

But the tariff tit-for-tat has continued with China, which now faces higher-than-ever levies from the U.S.

On social media, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a picture of a “Make America Great Again” hat with a tag reading “Made in China” and the price marked up.

Trump has maintained he believes Chinese President Xi Jinping will eventually call to make a deal, though Chinese officials have asserted that they intend to “fight to the end” of the tariff battle.

Sen. Schiff calls for ‘insider trading’ investigation against Trump

The White House said Trump’s about-face on tariffs is part of the president’s strategy, but Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said he isn’t buying it.

On Wednesday, Schiff immediately called on Congress to investigate whether Trump engaged in insider trading or market manipulation by pausing the tariffs.

Schiff pointed to Trump’s social media post, made minutes after the markets opened Wednesday, telling Americans: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!”

That same post was signed “DJT,” shorthand for Trump’s full name and also his company’s stock symbol.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the message “one of the most extraordinary Truth posts of his Presidency” in a social media post.

A White House official confirmed to that Trump will hold his fourth Cabinet meeting on Thursday morning.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Virginia Democrats blasted for threatening historic military college VMI with funding threat over DEI concerns

Virginia Democrats Criticize VMI, Hint at Funding Cuts Amid DEI Debate

On Tuesday, Virginia Democrats in the House of Delegates proposed a resolution…
Denmark's prime minister insists sovereignty is non-negotiable as Trump announces Greenland deal 'framework'

Danish PM Firmly Declares Sovereignty as Trump Proposes Greenland Deal Framework

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly stated that Denmark will not…
Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car? It depends on where you live

Driving with Snow on Your Car: Legal or Not? Find Out What Your State Says

While state laws differ, motorists can still incur fines or receive citations…
A second Super Bowl for Matthew Stafford could cap off NFL legacy

Matthew Stafford Eyes Second Super Bowl Victory to Cement NFL Legacy

SEATTLE — Matthew Stafford has an opportunity to solidify his place in…
Russia, Ukraine to discuss territory as Trump says both sides 'want to make a deal'

Russia and Ukraine to Engage in Territorial Discussions Amid Trump’s Claim of Mutual Desire for Resolution

The United States, Russia, and Ukraine have converged in Abu Dhabi, United…
From Newsom's MAGA sons to Republicans' woke kids: When kids rebel

Exploring Generational Rebellion: Newsom’s MAGA Sons and Republicans’ Progressive Offspring

In the realm of American politics, an intriguing phenomenon is unfolding among…
King Charles concerns 'prompted Trump to backtrack on UK troops jibe'

King Charles’ Concerns Lead to Trump Reconsidering Comments on UK Troops

Donald Trump has reportedly retracted his statement suggesting that British troops avoided…
Trump posts 'loaded gun' image after federal agent kills man, 37

Trump Shares Provocative Image Following Fatal Shooting by Federal Agent

On Saturday, Donald Trump posted an image of what he claimed to…