Stock Markets Jump On Report Of Delayed US Auto Tariffs 15 May 2019
Faizan Hashmi Published May 15, 2019 | 10:21 PM
Stock markets gained ground Wednesday on news that US President Donald Trump planned to delay auto tariffs
Industry sources told AFP Trump was planning to delay imposing tariffs on EU auto imports while the US pursues agreements with key trading partners.
European and US markets that had been in negative territory earlier in the day suddenly jumped higher, with German auto manufacturers among those who stood to benefit.
"Whether or not the news will be confirmed remains to be seen. Traders are buying European car shares" meanwhile, remarked Fawad Razaqzada at Forex.com.
Asian equity markets had already surged higher in the wake of strong gains elsewhere on Tuesday.
The Dollar was mixed against main rivals, with the euro limiting its loss thanks to data that showed a rebound in first quarter German growth.
The pound slipped lower "as Brexit woes for the (UK) prime minster dented the mood in the forex markets," noted Neil Wilson at Markets.com.
Although stock markets have been whipsawed by Trump tweets and the twists and turns of Chinese-US trade talks, they "still exhibit hope that we could see some form of resolution emerge from this current standoff," noted Joshua Mahony, senior market analyst at IG trading group.
After more than doubling tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods last week -- sparking retaliation from Beijing -- Trump has threatened to impose a further $300 billion if China does not give ground in the high-stakes talks.
He then gave markets some hope that a deal between the economic titans would eventually be struck.
Shanghai's main stocks index ended 1.
9 percent higher and Hong Kong put on 0.5 percent Wednesday.
In the US, sharp drops in the April manufacturing and retail sales indices initially sent shares lower before hope of a delay in auto tariffs turned things around.
Oil prices were stronger meanwhile amid tensions in the middle East.
Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, on Wednesday said that attacks on two of its tankers and a major pipeline targeted the security of global oil supplies.
Drone attacks claimed by Iran-aligned Yemeni rebels shut down one of the kingdom's main oil pipelines on Tuesday, further ratcheting up Gulf tensions after the mysterious weekend sabotage of four ships, two of them Saudi tankers.
The International Energy Agency confirmed that the world's oil supply fell last month as US sanctions on Iran tightened and OPEC+ members produced less crude in line with their pact.
- Key figures around 1600 GMT - London - FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 7,296.95 points (close) Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.9 percent at 12,099.57 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.6 percent at 5,374.26 (close) EURO STOXX 50 - UP 0.6 percent at 3,385.78 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.6 percent at 21,188.56 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.5 percent at 28,268.71 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.9 percent at 2,938.68 (close) New York - Dow: UP 0.5 percent at 25,660.05 Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1207 from $1.1208 at 2040 GMT Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2876 from $1.2907 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 109.57 Yen from 109.62 yenOil - Brent Crude: UP 78 cents at $72.02 per barrelOil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 27 cents at $62.05 per barrel
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 20 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 20 April 2024
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
More Stories From Business
-
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 20 April 2024
8 minutes ago -
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 20 April 2024
57 minutes ago -
Pakistan aims to agree outline of new IMF loan in May - Finance Minister
11 hours ago -
FTO commends FBR's role for prompt resolution of tax payers’ issues
11 hours ago -
BISP embraces E-procurement: launches inaugural tender
13 hours ago -
Business community indebted to Ahsan Zafar for his unprecedented services: Yousuf Rajput
13 hours ago
-
China auto sector steps up Europe push with Spain plant
13 hours ago -
Condolence reference held in memory of FBR's officials
14 hours ago -
Health activists ring alarm bells over 10-stick cigarette pack
15 hours ago -
Karachi receives maiden direct flight of Azerbaijan Airlines from Baku
15 hours ago -
PSX turns bullish, gains 619 points
16 hours ago -
Rupee bounces back; gains 13 paisa against dollar
15 hours ago