Market Overview: ASX 200 Futures and Major Indices Hit by Tariff Threats
ASX 200 futures have seen a slight decline of 13 points, translating to a decrease of 0.15% as of 8:30 am AEST. The US markets have encountered a rough patch, with major benchmarks closing lower. The S&P 500 experienced a minor reduction, halting its two-week growth streak.
Key Highlights:
- President Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs ranging from 30% to 35% on imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union starting August 1 if ongoing trade negotiations fail.
- A surge in gold prices was noted, with silver reaching its highest level since 2011, and Bitcoin achieving a new all-time high.
Market Summary
As of Monday, 14 July 2025, at 8:24 am (AEST):
| Major Indices: | Name | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 6,260 | -0.33% | |
| Dow Jones | 44,372 | -0.63% | |
| NASDAQ Comp | 20,586 | -0.22% | |
| Russell 2000 | 2,235 | -1.26% |
| Country Indices: | Country | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 27,023 | -0.22% | |
| China | 3,510 | +0.01% | |
| Germany | 24,255 | -0.82% | |
| India | 82,500 | -0.83% | |
| Japan | 39,570 | -0.19% | |
| United Kingdom | 8,941 | -0.38% |
| Commodity Prices (in USD): | Commodity | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 3,354.76 | +0.29% | |
| WTI Oil | 68.75 | -0.01% |
| Cryptocurrency Trends: | Cryptocurrency | Value | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (USD) | 118,547 | +0.86% | |
| Ethereum (AUD) | 4,501 | +0.70% |
| US Sectors Performance: | Sector | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | +0.48% | |
| Consumer Discretionary | +0.33% | |
| Financials | -1.00% | |
| Health Care | -0.88% |
Market Events:
The major US indices ended lower but rebounded from their lowest points. In the past week, the Nasdaq fell by 0.08%, while the S&P 500 dropped by 0.31%, reflecting concerns over Trump’s tariff threats and their potential impact on international trade dynamics. Over the upcoming earnings season, growth is projected at its slowest pace in two years, driven by various factors, including tariffs and economic uncertainty.
Corporate Developments:
- Amazon’s recent Prime Day boosted online spending, amounting to $24.1 billion, a staggering increase of 30.3% from expectations.
- Google has made waves with a substantial investment of $2.4 billion in an AI coding firm, reflecting the tech giant’s ongoing emphasis on innovation.
- Apple is gearing up to unveil new products in the first half of 2026, which are expected to include an affordable iPhone model and refreshed MacBook variations.
Central Banks & Economic Outlook:
Federal Reserve officials, including Daly, suggest there could be two rate cuts later in 2025. Meanwhile, ECB representatives maintain that current rates are appropriate, with little inclination towards further cuts.
Economic strain is evident as the UK experienced a GDP contraction, and China’s export growth is expected to remain positive despite ongoing trade tensions. The US core consumer price index is also projected to accelerate, impacted by tariff implications.
What to Expect:
- Block shares are likely to react negatively following recent changes in JPMorgan’s policies concerning fintech companies.
- Significant movements in the silver market were noted as prices surged above US$38, representing one of the few commodities displaying strength amid a turbulent marketplace.
- With earnings reports looming, investors will keep a close watch on how major corporations navigate the pressures from tariff changes and market conditions.
In conclusion, markets remain on edge with Trump’s tariff strategy shaping trade discussions and influencing investor sentiment. The ASX is headed for a cautious start as local and global events continue to unfold. Keep an eye on upcoming corporate earnings releases and economic indicators for further market direction.
