The major European stock exchanges opened mixed today, extending gains from the previous session, amid hopes of deals between the U.S. and the rest of the world, following Trump’s threat to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil.
By 09:25 in Lisbon, the EuroStoxx 600 was up 0.43% at 552.34 points.
The stock markets in London, Paris, and Frankfurt advanced 0.91%, 0.63%, and 0.15%, respectively, while those in Madrid and Milan fell 0.72% and 0.34%.
Lisbon’s stock exchange maintained its opening trend, with the main index PSI advancing 0.05% to 7,795.59 points at 09:25, a new high since May 6, 2011.
Wall Street futures are down 0.30% on the Dow Jones Industrials, 0.28% on the S&P 500, and 0.27% on the Nasdaq, after closing in the green on Wednesday, driven by gains in tech giant Nvidia, which became the first company to reach a four-trillion-dollar market capitalization during the day, ending up 0.95%.
The Dow Jones closed up 0.49% at 44,458.30 points, compared to the all-time high achieved since the index was created in 1896, of 45,014.04 points, on December 4, 2024.
The Nasdaq, a high-tech index, closed advancing 0.94% to 20,611.34 points, marking a new all-time high.
Following a letter from Trump to Brazil announcing a 50% tariff, Brazil responded by returning the letter to Trump, calling it “offensive” and containing “falsehoods.”
Similarly, Trump stated on Wednesday that during his first term, he wanted to apply what he considers “reciprocal” tariffs but refrained when he saw the “disaster” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in countries like Italy and Spain, which he now threatens with 50% tariffs for being part of the European Union (EU).
In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei index closed down 0.37%, while the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s benchmark index gained 0.48%, Shenzhen rose 0.47%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 0.67% at the close of trading.
The Philippine government will attempt to negotiate a reduction in the new customs tariffs on Asian products imposed by the United States, which are at 20% against the initially announced 17%. A delegation from the Asian country will travel to Washington next week.
Brent crude, the European benchmark, for September delivery, is rising to $70.26, compared to $70.19 on Wednesday.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, falls 0.10% to $68.30 before the official market opening.
Gold per troy ounce, seen as a safe haven asset, is rising to $3,323.07, up from $3,311.92 on Wednesday, and nearing the current all-time high of $3,432.34 set on June 13.
Germany’s 10-year bond yields are down to 2.668%, compared to 2.671% in the previous session.
The euro is rising to $1.1729 in Frankfurt’s currency market, from $1.1705 on Wednesday, marking a new high since September 15, 2021, of $1.789 on July 2.
