Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
United States

Wall Street futures climb on tariff relief

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Wall Street futures rise as the U.S. temporarily exempts consumer tech products—including smartphones and semiconductors—from steep new tariffs.
  • Tech stocks rally globally, with major gains for Apple suppliers and PC maker Lenovo, following relief from anticipated tariff impacts.
  • Uncertainty remains as officials signal the exemptions are temporary, and broader tariffs tied to national security will follow.

[UNITED STATES] U.S. stock futures showed modest gains on Monday morning, buoyed by the Trump administration's decision to temporarily exempt key technology products from impending tariffs. While the move has sparked optimism in the tech sector, analysts caution that the relief may be short-lived amid ongoing trade uncertainties.​

Tech Sector Reacts to Tariff Exemptions

Dow Jones futures rose by 0.4%, S&P 500 futures gained 0.9%, and Nasdaq-100 futures climbed 1.2% as investors responded positively to the temporary suspension of tariffs on consumer electronics. The exemptions, which include smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor components, were announced following a Customs and Border Protection notice. This move alleviated pressure on tech companies that had been facing up to 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. ​

Asian tech stocks also experienced significant gains, with Apple suppliers Foxconn and LG Innotek rising 7.1% and over 8%, respectively, and PC maker Lenovo increasing 8.6% in Hong Kong. ​

Mixed Signals from U.S. Officials

Despite the temporary relief, mixed messages from U.S. officials have introduced an element of uncertainty. President Trump clarified that the exemptions are part of a broader national security review and emphasized that the products remain subject to existing "Fentanyl Tariffs." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reinforced that the policy is temporary and sector-specific tariffs on electronics and semiconductors will be implemented soon. ​ These conflicting statements have left investors cautious, as the market remains sensitive to political and economic developments. ​

Market Performance Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The recent tariff pause led to significant gains in major indices, with the Nasdaq jumping 7.3%—its best-performing day in years. However, analysts caution that the market lacks a confirmed uptrend and remains vulnerable to policy changes. Key earnings reports from companies such as Netflix, Taiwan Semiconductor, UnitedHealth, and Goldman Sachs are expected this week, which may influence market direction. ​

Bond markets have shown signs of stress, with the largest weekly surges in Treasury yields in decades. Additionally, the U.S. dollar weakened sharply against global currencies, raising concerns about investor confidence in U.S. assets. ​

Looking Ahead

While the temporary tariff exemptions have provided a boost to the tech sector, the overall market remains on edge. Investors are advised to stay cautious, monitor policy developments closely, and be prepared for potential market volatility as the situation evolves


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Read More

Finance United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 25, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

FBM KLCI holds steady amid global market rally

[MALAYSIA] The FBM KLCI ended the morning session slightly higher as investors turned to profit-taking ahead of the weekend, capping off a week...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 25, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

China considers tariff exemptions amid trade war

[WORLD] China is exploring the possibility of exempting certain U.S. imports from its steep 125% retaliatory tariffs, marking the strongest indication yet that...

Culture United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
CultureApril 24, 2025 at 9:30:00 PM

How to work with a difficult colleague

[WORLD] Navigating a professional relationship with a colleague who harbours negative feelings towards you can be challenging. However, with strategic approaches rooted in...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM

US-China trade tensions: No negotiations confirmed

[WORLD] China’s Ministry of Commerce on Thursday refuted claims of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, stating that reports suggesting progress in...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM

Malaysian firms eye Uganda’s oil fields amid shrinking domestic reserves

[MALAYSIA] Malaysian companies have been invited to compete for unexplored petroleum fields in Uganda, as the Southeast Asian nation’s oil and gas sector...

Politics United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
PoliticsApril 24, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM

Kaja Kallas, the EU's senior diplomat, deals with Trump's turbulence

[EUROPE] European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is facing unprecedented challenges as she navigates a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape marked by U.S....

Tech United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
TechApril 24, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

Tesla faces decline in EU sales amid rising competition

[EUROPE] Tesla’s sales in the European Union took another significant hit last month, marking a continued downturn that has raised questions about the...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 12:30:00 PM

Trump administration weighs auto tariff reductions amid industry pressure

[UNITED STATES] The Trump administration is weighing the possibility of reducing certain tariffs imposed on the automotive industry, which executives have warned could...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

Hong Kong stocks drop as US rules out unilateral tariff cuts

[WORLD] Hong Kong stocks slipped on Thursday, ending a three-day winning streak, after investor sentiment took a hit following remarks from US Treasury...

Retail United States
Image Credits: Open Privilege
RetailApril 24, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Zus Coffee overtakes Starbucks in Malaysia amid rapid Southeast Asia expansion

[MALAYSIA] Zuspresso, the operator behind the Zus Coffee brand, is set to expand aggressively in Southeast Asia this year, planning to open nearly...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Malaysia’s inflation eases in March amid public cost-of-living concerns

[MALAYSIA] Malaysia’s headline inflation rose at a slightly slower pace of 1.4% in March 2025, easing from 1.5% in February, in line with...

Finance United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceApril 24, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

FBM KLCI holds steady amid trade war optimism

[MALAYSIA] The FBM KLCI began Thursday’s trading session on a flat note, opening around the 1,500 level as investors cautiously extended gains from...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege