Market Uncertainty Looms Amid Trump's Trade Policies and Global Economic Tensions

Stock markets face fluctuations as traders anticipate details on Trump's trade policies. Europe's STOXX 600 is excelling, driven by potential German financial stimuli. Yet, Trump's tariffs and new directives, notably on Venezuelan oil, stir global economic concerns, contributing to market volatility and shifts in global currency values.

Stock markets across the globe experienced volatility as traders remain on edge awaiting more concrete information about President Donald Trump's trade policies, particularly with a fresh round of tariffs looming next week. European stocks, which had briefly seen slim gains, turned negative, falling by 0.5%, with both healthcare and autos sectors declining by 1.4%.

Despite the turbulence, the STOXX 600 index is poised for its strongest quarter in two years, supported by optimism over potential economic stimulus from Germany. Investors are pinning hopes on potential leniency from the White House, following Trump's Monday remarks about partial exemptions to the impending tariffs scheduled for an April 2 deadline.

Adding to global trade tensions, Trump announced secondary tariffs of 25% on countries purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela, causing a spike in oil prices but tempered by maritime security agreements in the Black Sea related to the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index, reversing a recent dip and steadying against a basket of six major currencies, highlights the intricate interplay of economic policies impacting both national and global markets.

(With inputs from agencies.)