US President Donald Trump plans to impose 25% tariffs on all imports of steel and aluminum into the US but hasn't specified when the new duties will take effect.

Markets moved sharply lower following reports that President Trump is considering retaliatory tariffs, which could lead to higher rates for US trading partners.

Last week had Wall Street facing volatility, tech earnings disappointments, mixed labor data, and rising inflation fears. Gold hit record highs.

On Friday, U.S. markets closed lower after Trump announced reciprocal tariffs and weak economic data. S&P 500 sectors all fell, while European markets opened optimistically. Gold hit record highs amid trade war concerns.

An analysis and commentary on the financial markets.

President Trump is like the pied piper of oil as the market continues to move on the latest Trump Truth Social posts or moves. 

The Reserve Bank of India cut its key repo rate by 25bps to 6.25%, marking the first rate cut since May 2020 during its February meeting.

In this video, Ira Epstein reviews the activity in the Financial Markets after the day that just ended, Thursday, February 6.

U.S. markets closed mixed with S&P 500 and Nasdaq gaining, while Dow slipped. Economic data exceeded expectations, while commodities and futures showed mixed results. Markets await key reports and events.

In this video, Ira Epstein reviews the activity in the Financial Markets after the day that just ended, Wednesday, February 5.

U.S. markets rose on Fed rate cut hopes, while economic data showed larger trade deficit and lower service PMI. Global markets also up, except India.

It was a session of two halves for oil yesterday with prices initially weaker on the back of China’s retaliatory tariffs against the US. However, a tougher US stance on Iran saw the market claw back these losses later in the session.

In this video, Ira Epstein reviews the activity in the Financial Markets after the day that just ended, Tuesday, February 4.

U.S. markets close higher as optimism grows over potential U.S.-China trade breakthrough. Trump delays tariffs, Palantir surges 24%, Fed warns of inflation risks, and job openings miss expectations.

While Southeast Asia shares most of the energy problems of the rest of the world, it seems that this region is somewhat better placed to handle the energy shortfalls that lie ahead than many other regions.

In this video, Ira Epstein reviews the activity in the Financial Markets after the day that just ended, Monday, February 3.

US markets closed in red after Trump delayed tariffs on Mexico. US construction spending and ISM manufacturing PMI improved. Asian markets mixed.

A fresh wave of market turmoil hit global equities on Monday as President Donald Trump signed executive orders imposing new tariffs: 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on imports from China. The tariffs, set to take effect Tuesday, Feb. 4, include a 10% carve-out for Canadian gas, power, and minerals.

U.S. markets closed lower due to new tariffs, U.S. personal income and spending increased, and most S&P 500 sectors declined. Japan's Nikkei and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 also fell, while U.S. futures and the dollar strengthened.

Natural gas on the Nymex had a negative week before closing 10% lower than the previous one at $3.07. EIA reported on Thursday a bullish, nonetheless, draw of 321 Bcf in working underground stocks for the week ended January 24.

On Thursday, Trump confirmed plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting February 1.

In this video, Ira Epstein reviews the activity in the Financial Markets after the day that just ended, Thursday, January 30.

U.S. markets closed higher, led by Tesla's optimistic remarks. Economic concerns rose after Trump's proposed tariffs. Most S&P 500 sectors advanced.

U.S. markets close lower on tech selloff. Fed keeps rates steady, but uncertainties remain. Japan, Australia, India markets rise. Oil prices stable.

The Australian dollar fell below USD 0.625 on Wednesday, posting a third straight session of losses.