logo
Global markets rally as U.S. court blocks Trump-era tariffs; AI earnings also boost sentiment

Global markets rally as U.S. court blocks Trump-era tariffs; AI earnings also boost sentiment

Business Upturn29-05-2025
Global equity markets opened higher on Thursday, buoyed by sharp gains in U.S. futures after a landmark federal court ruling blocked former President Donald Trump's authority to impose trade tariffs. The move was viewed as a significant de-escalation of trade-related risks, further supported by strong quarterly results from artificial intelligence major Nvidia.
A U.S. federal court ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to set tariffs unilaterally, effectively blocking the so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs introduced during his presidency. The Trump administration has already appealed the decision. The White House issued a sharp response, stating, 'It's not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency.'
This legal development was interpreted by markets as a rollback of protectionist trade policies, leading to a relief rally in equities. U.S. stock index futures surged in response: Dow Futures jumped 500 points (+1.19%) to 42,599
Nasdaq Futures gained 400 points (+1.88%) to 21,718
Russell 2000 Futures rose 41 points (+1.98%) to 2,109
The positive momentum spilled over into global markets: Germany's DAX Futures were up 190 points (+0.79%)
UK's FTSE Futures added 62 points (+0.70%)
Japan's Nikkei Index gained 529 points (+1.40%) to 38,252
South Korea's KOSPI rose 30 points (+1.14%)
Taiwan's Taiex Futures climbed 141 points (+0.67%)
India's GIFT Nifty was up 57 points (+0.23%) at 24,820 (adjusted). However, Hang Seng Futures in Hong Kong edged slightly lower by 24 points (-0.10%).
This rebound comes after a slightly negative close on Wall Street on the previous day: Dow Jones closed at 42,099, down 245 points (-0.58%)
Nasdaq ended at 19,101, lower by 98 points (-0.51%)
Analysts noted that the combination of strong AI earnings and legal checks on unilateral tariff powers has infused fresh optimism across equity markets globally.
News desk at BusinessUpturn.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

AI demand expected to boost electronics giant Foxconn's second-quarter profit
AI demand expected to boost electronics giant Foxconn's second-quarter profit

Yahoo

time21 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

AI demand expected to boost electronics giant Foxconn's second-quarter profit

By Wen-Yee Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, is expected to report on Thursday that second-quarter profit rose 14% on continued strong demand for artificial intelligence servers. Net profit for April-June for Apple's top iPhone assembler and Nvidia's server maker likely came in at T$39.8 billion ($1.33 billion), up from T$35.05 billion a year earlier. Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry, last month reported record second-quarter revenue on strong demand for AI products but cautioned about geopolitical and exchange rate headwinds. Global trade uncertainty could dim the prospects for its outlook this year, as it has a major manufacturing presence in China, though Washington and Beijing this week extended a tariff truce for another 90 days. Most of the iPhones Foxconn makes for Apple are assembled in China, but the bulk of those sold in the United States are now produced in India. The company is also building factories in Mexico and Texas to make AI servers for Nvidia. In its July sales report, Foxconn said while the third quarter should see on-year growth - the company does not provide numerical guidance - the impact of "evolving global political and economic conditions" would need continued close monitoring. Foxconn has also been looking to expand its footprint in electric vehicles, which the company sees as a major future growth generator, though that has not always gone smoothly. Earlier this month, Foxconn said it had struck a deal to sell a former car factory at Lordstown, Ohio, for $375 million, including its machinery, but said it would continue to use the site to make a broader range of products aligned with its strategic priorities. Foxconn has expanded beyond its traditional role as an iPhone assembler in other areas too. Last month it formed a strategic partnership with industrial motor maker TECO Electric & Machinery to build data centres. Foxconn holds its earnings call at 3 p.m. (0700 GMT) in Taipei on Thursday, where it will also update its outlook for the year. Foxconn's shares have risen 7.9% so far this year, outperforming the broader Taiwan index's 5.8% gain. ($1 = 30.0020 Taiwan dollars) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

China hawks skeptical of Trump chip deal
China hawks skeptical of Trump chip deal

The Hill

time22 minutes ago

  • The Hill

China hawks skeptical of Trump chip deal

Trump on Monday agreed to allow tech giants Nvidia and AMD to secure export licenses to sell their advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips in China in exchange for a 15 percent cut of the profits. The White House said Tuesday that more such deals could be on the table. The unusual deal doesn't just raise legal questions. Experts say the U.S. should be wary of turning over American-made technology that could boost its adversary's AI capabilities, at a time when the two countries are fiercely competing for dominance. The security concerns appear to be a two-way street. China urged tech companies there to avoid any purchase of Nvidia's H20 chip, citing security issues. The move once again has Trump at odds with Congress's China hawks, who argue the administration is shortchanging America's national security interests to make a buck. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (Ill.), the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a statement said the most troubling part of the deal was a contradiction at the heart of the policy. 'The administration cannot simultaneously treat semiconductor exports as both a national security threat and a revenue opportunity,' he said. 'By putting a price on our security concerns, we signal to China and our allies that American national security principles are negotiable for the right fee.' The same panel's GOP chair, Rep. John Moolenaar (Mich.), said there are 'questions about the legal basis' for such a deal. 'Export controls are a frontline defense in protecting our national security, and we should not set a precedent that incentivizes the Government to grant licenses to sell China technology that will enhance its AI capabilities,' he said in a statement.

D.C. business leaders warn Trump's crackdown may hurt tourism
D.C. business leaders warn Trump's crackdown may hurt tourism

Axios

time22 minutes ago

  • Axios

D.C. business leaders warn Trump's crackdown may hurt tourism

Restaurant and hospitality groups are pushing back on President Trump 's depiction of the District as a hotbed of "crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor," saying the city is safe — and open for business. Why it matters: Several D.C. industry leaders say Trump's rhetoric could deter visitors and hurt a tourism economy already affected by the administration's policies and mass federal firings. By the numbers: 48 groups have canceled or changed their D.C. plans since October due to political concerns, Destination D.C. tells Axios. Their estimated economic loss for the city: more than $61 million, based on projected hotel room nights. State of play: The tourism marketing organization is planning outreach to groups that have booked events or are considering them, according to the Washington Business Journal. That includes sharing stats that show D.C. violent crime has hit a 30-year low. The organization is also joining in on the viral " love letter" to D.C. trend, where locals share real-life portrayals of the city. Reality check: Destination D.C. tells Axios that the estimated 2025 losses due to political reasons represent just 2% of the projected revenue generated for the city, "so there is still a lot of positive production happening for the city." Meanwhile, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) has a message ahead of Summer Restaurant Week, which starts Monday: "D.C. is open for business." "Next week is crucial for some to make it through Labor Day," RAMW CEO Shawn Townsend says of the weeklong event, which aims to draw diners to offset a typical August slowdown. "Folks may be thinking, 'Why go Downtown when I can do Restaurant Week in Bethesda or Tysons?'" Zoom in: RAMW is telling its members to promote positivity on social media and talk directly to diners if they cancel reservations: "It's like any major city — be careful — but D.C. is not a war zone." It's not just fear of crime — the armed presence may hurt, too. "If I'm coming in from out of town, I wouldn't want to bring my family to a city that has National Guard on every corner," says Townsend.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store