Global markets rally on tariff rollback, risk appetite rebounds sharply
đïž U.S.-China Tariff Truce Sparks Market Euphoria
Wall Street stock futures surged on Monday after U.S. and Chinese officials pledged to slash reciprocal tariffs, sweeping trade war fears off the tableâat least for now.
After weekend talks in Geneva, both nations announced they will drop levies imposed since President Trumpâs April 2 tariff blitz.
Markets reacted swiftly:
- S&P 500 futures jumped 2.6%
- Nasdaq 100 futures surged 3.8%, positioning for the tech index’s best day in over a month
- Hong Kong tech stocks skyrocketed 6%
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a 90-day pause on further measures, with tariffs reduced by over 100 percentage points to 10%.
đ” Dollar Rallies, Gold Slumps as Safe-Haven Demand Fades
Risk appetite surged, sending safe-haven assets tumbling:
- The U.S. dollar index rose 0.9%, rebounding from a three-year low
- The yen dropped 1.5% to 147.08, while the euro slid 1.1% to $1.1131
- Spot gold plunged 3% as investors rotated into riskier assets
Crude oil also rallied:
- Brent crude gained 3.3% to $64.14
- WTI crude climbed 3.5% to $63.14
đ Global Equities Rally Broadly
The tariff truce boosted equities worldwide:
- Germanyâs DAX hit a record high, up 1.5%
- Europeâs STOXX 600 rose 1.1%
- Italyâs FTSE MIB surged 2% to a 17-year high
In Asia:
- Hang Seng Index jumped 3%
- Chinaâs yuan strengthened to 7.2001 against the dollar (six-month high)
âThe magnitude of this tariff reduction is larger than expected,â said Tai Hui, APAC chief strategist at JPMorgan.
âWhile 90 days may not seal a full deal, it keeps both sides engaged and markets hopeful.â
đ Geopolitical Calm Adds to Positive Mood
An easing of geopolitical tensions globally also buoyed markets:
- A fragile ceasefire held between India and Pakistan
- Ukrainian President Zelenskiy announced readiness to meet Vladimir Putin in Turkey for peace talks Thursday
đ Conclusion: Markets Embrace Relief, But Fragile Optimism Rules
The U.S.-China tariff rollback has triggered a global risk rally, lifting stocks, oil, and the dollar while safe havens like gold tumble.
While the 90-day tariff pause is a temporary reprieve, markets are betting on continued negotiations rather than renewed escalation.
Bottom line:
Investors are breathing easierâfor nowâbut with Trumpâs trade unpredictability, economic data (like Walmart earnings Thursday), and geopolitical risks still in play, caution lingers beneath the optimism.