Global Markets Surge on Tariff Relief and Tech Optimism While Dollar Slips to 3-Year Low

Global Markets Summary – April 14, 2025

Equities U.S. markets closed higher, buoyed by President Trump’s temporary tariff exemptions on smartphones and computers. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.8% to 40,212.71, the S&P 500 gained 0.8% to 5,405.97, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.6.
Bonds The 10-year Treasury yield edged down to 4.44%, reflecting investor caution amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty.
Currency The U.S. dollar weakened, with the Dollar Index falling to 99.79, its lowest in three years, as investors reacted to inconsistent tariff policy.
Notable Stocks Apple Inc. shares rebounded 2% following the tariff exemptions, while Meta Platforms fell over 2% as its antitrust trial commenced.

*Equities: European stocks advanced, with the STOXX 600 rising 1.4%, driven by gains in technology shares after the U.S. eased tariffs on Chinese electronics.
*Currency: The euro strengthened, nearing a three-year high against the dollar at $1.1359, amid shifting investor sentiment.
*Outlook: Goldman Sachs downgraded its STOXX 600 forecast, now expecting a 7% earnings contraction for 2025, citing tariff impacts.

Equities: The FTSE 100 climbed 2.14% to 8,134.34, led by energy and tech sectors. Barclays PLC outperformed, gaining .83%.
Currency: The British pound rose 0.4% to $1.31825, approaching a six-month high, as investors sought alternatives to the weakening dollar.
Notable Developments: Wood Group shares surged 11.5% following a takeover proposal from Dubai-based Sdara.

Equities: Chinese ADRs saw broad gains; I-Mab soared 43% to $0.96, leading the S&P/BNY Mellon index of ADRs to a 1.4% increase.
Trade: March exports surged as companies accelerated shipments ahead of potential new U.S. tariffs.
Currency: The yuan remained under pressure amid ongoing trade tensions.

Eqities: The Nikkei 225 rose 1.5% to 34,086.16, driven by gains in iPhone-related stocks after the U.S. exempted certain electronics from tariffs.
Notable stocks: TDK surged 5.2%, and Advantest gained 3.84%, reflecting optimism in the tech sector.

Equities: Emerging markets showed resilience; the S&P/BNY Mellon Emerging Markets ADR Index increased by 1.2%.
Currencies: The South African rand and Turkish lira appreciated against the dollar, benefiting from the greenback’s weakness

Oil: Brent crude rose 0.43% to $65.16 per barrel, supported by China’s increased crude imports and U.S. exemptions.

Gold: Gold prices firmed, with U.S. futures up 0.4% to $3,237.60, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid tariff uncertainties.

Natural Gas: U.S. natural gas futures fell about 6% to a nine-week low, pressured by record output and lower demand forecasts.

Bitcoin*: Bitcoin remained steady at $84,855.84, navigating a narrow range amid limited tariff relief and ongoing market risks.
Ethereum: Ethereum experienced gains, contributing to a broader rise in major cryptocurrencies.