China’s Retaliatory Tariffs on Canada
China has imposed fresh retaliatory tariffs on select Canadian farm and food products in response to ongoing trade tensions. The key measures include:
100% tariff on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and pea imports.
25% duty on Canadian aquatic products and pork.
These tariffs are expected to impact Canada’s export-driven agriculture sector, with potential repercussions for global commodity markets.
U.S. Stock Market Performance
The U.S. stock market closed higher on Friday, driven by gains in key sectors:
Telecoms, Utilities, and Oil & Gas sectors led the rally.
This upward movement signals investor confidence in economic stability and sectoral growth despite global uncertainties.
European Markets Performance
European stock markets ended mixed on Friday:
FTSE 100 remained flat, indicating investor caution.
DAX dropped 1.75%, reflecting bearish sentiment in German markets.
CAC 40 fell ~1%, showing weakness in French equities.
The decline in European indices suggests investor concerns over economic data, inflation, and geopolitical risks like US Tariffs
Crude Oil Market Trends
Crude oil prices saw a modest rebound, but weekly losses persisted:
Brent Crude rose 1.3% to ~$70.4 per barrel, yet recorded a 3.8% weekly decline.
WTI Crude increased 1.3% to ~$67 per barrel, but ended the week 4% lower.
Fluctuations in oil prices reflect supply-demand dynamics and geopolitical influences affecting the energy sector.
Gold and Silver Market Overview
Precious metals exhibited mixed trends, influenced by investor sentiment and inflation concerns:
Spot gold edged marginally lower to ~$2900/ounce, while gaining 1.8% weekly.
Spot silver dipped 0.3% to ~$32.5/ounce, but recorded a 4.5% weekly increase.
Investors continue to view gold and silver as hedges against economic volatility and inflationary pressures.
These developments highlight the evolving landscape of global markets, with geopolitical tensions, sectoral performance, and commodity price movements shaping investment trends. Traders and investors should remain cautious and monitor these dynamics closely.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Market conditions are subject to change, and readers are advised to conduct their own research or consult financial professionals before making investment decisions.
