Markets brace for volatile week as leaders weigh up retaliation to Trump’s tariffs

The US-China trade war has intensified, with Trump imposing high tariffs on Chinese imports and Beijing retaliating. China faces a strategic choice in shaping its economic policy amidst global turmoil and concerns over dumping and unfair trade practices. Both nations must find a resolution to avoid negative impacts on global growth and trade relations. Full Article

The Prime Minister's reluctance to advocate for realignment with Europe is hindering Britain's standing in crucial negotiations. Supporters of Brexit were able to see the potential benefits when Donald Trump announced tariffs, showing the discrepancy between the 20% levy on continental exports and the 10% rate for British goods. However, the gap closed when Trump changed his plans, leaving the UK government with uncertain outcomes and little leverage in negotiations. Full Article

Germany and other European countries are cautious about potentially imposing taxes on Big Tech if trade negotiations with the Trump administration fail, following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on EU imports. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has mentioned retaliatory measures, including a tax on digital advertising revenues affecting tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. However, Germany's finance minister Jörg Kukies has warned against targeting digital corporations, emphasizing the lack...

A man-sized cut-out of a black zero in Stuttgart symbolizing Germany's commitment to balanced budgets is now gathering dust, reflecting the country's shift towards debt-fueled spending led by incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz. The removal of the statue by finance minister Danyal Bayaz marks the end of an era of fiscal conservatism, as Germany faces economic challenges and infrastructure needs. Despite some skepticism, most Germans support the new debt package, signaling a departure from longstanding beliefs...

Representatives from approximately 50 countries convene to discuss providing support for Ukraine, as Steve Witkoff arrives in Russia. Meanwhile, in Greenland, Colonel Susannah Meyers, head of the US military base visited by Vice-President JD Vance, is fired for criticizing Washington's agenda for the Arctic island and distancing herself from Vance's remarks on Denmark's oversight during his recent visit. Meyers had served as commander of the Pituffik Space Base since July. Full Article

China announced it would increase additional tariffs on US goods to 125 per cent starting April 12, in response to the escalating trade war with the US. The finance ministry stated it would not accept further US tariff increases on Chinese exports, calling the US's actions a violation of international trade rules and unilateral bullying. The move comes amid a tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs between the two countries, with Trump's aggressive tariff agenda causing market...