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Markets Update: The S&P 500 shatters records with a new all-time closing high, while European equities suffer their steepest decline of the year. Gold soars to historic levels, and oil prices hover near a one-week peak.
Global Markets Roundup: 19 Feb 2025
Equity Markets: Volatility Strikes as Tariff Fears Escalate
Global markets tumbled Wednesday as Wall Street’s turbulent session and a sharp downturn in European stocks fueled uncertainty. Investor caution deepened following President Donald Trump’s announcement of aggressive new tariffs on automotive, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports.
Trump warned Tuesday that levies on pharmaceuticals and semiconductor chips will start at 25% or higher, escalating over the next year. Tariffs on automobiles are set to take effect by April 2.
Despite the volatility, U.S. stock indexes managed to close higher. The S&P 500 marked its second consecutive record, navigating sharp intraday swings. Financials and utilities led the gains, while tech and energy stocks lagged.
Dow Jones Industrial Average: +0.16% to 44,627.59
S&P 500: +0.24% to 6,144.15
Nasdaq Composite: +0.07% to 20,056.25
Meanwhile, Europe’s STOXX 600 slumped 0.9%, its biggest one-day drop of the year. Key indexes across Germany, France, Italy, and Spain declined 0.5% to 1.8%, reversing recent record highs. MSCI’s global stock gauge slipped 0.11% to 886.72.
Currencies: Dollar and Yen Strengthen Amid Market Jitters
Currency markets reflected the growing uncertainty as investors flocked to the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen for safety.
Commodities: Gold Hits Historic High, Oil Climbs on Supply Risks
Gold prices exploded to a record $2,946.85 per ounce, marking the ninth peak this year, before stabilizing at $2,935.22. U.S. gold futures settled 0.4% lower at $2,936.10.
Oil markets remained elevated amid fears of supply disruptions in Russia and the U.S.. European leaders pledged greater military support for Ukraine, pushing European arms manufacturers to record highs.
Brent crude: +0.3% to $76.04 per barrel
WTI crude: +0.6% to $72.25 per barrel
Agricultural and Soft Commodities: Cocoa Prices Weigh on Chocolate Giants
Corn futures (CBOT ZC1!): -4-1/2 cents to $4.97-1/2 per bushel
Wheat (ZW1!): -11-1/4 cents to $6.06-1/2 per bushel
Soybeans (ZS1!): -6-3/4 cents to $10.31-3/4 per bushel
Cocoa prices saw mixed movement as Mondelez warned of a potential 50% surge in chocolate prices, raising concerns over demand.
March NY cocoa (CCH25): -0.81%
March London cocoa (CAH25): +0.32%
Meanwhile, Arabica coffee futures surged toward $4.30 per pound, nearing record highs on persistent supply concerns.
Looking forward refer to the economic calendar below to see the upcoming events scheduled for today and the rest of the week.
General news - Information source from multiple newswires.
The article and the data is for general information use only, not advice!
The Trade Academy Team