TOP 5 Market Highlights: Key Events Shaping Global Markets & Economic Trends
10/3/2025 – Global Markets Stumble as U.S. Tariff Fears Wipe Out $4 Trillion in Stock Value
Global markets were mixed. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell 5 basis points to 4.162% amid rising risk aversion. U.S. equities lost $4 trillion due to tariff concerns under Trump.
Japan revised its Q4 GDP growth down to 2.2% from 2.8% and January household spending fell 4.5% MoM due to weak consumer spending and rising costs. Australia’s business confidence fell to -1 in February from +5 in January, despite stable conditions.
U.S. tariffs strained global trade, prompting Japan to seek exemptions. Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy called for security guarantees in talks with Saudi Arabia. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned U.S. nationalism could fuel long-term inflation risks.
The Yen strengthened as Dollar/Yen fell 0.5% to 146.605 as investors sought safe-haven assets. Bitcoin and Ether dropped 3% amid risk-off sentiment. Oil prices declined over U.S. tariff concerns, while soybeans neared a one-week low on fears of reduced Chinese demand.
11/3/2025 – Ukraine Optimism Boosts Euro While Global Stocks Slide
The euro strengthens on optimism over US-Ukraine intelligence-sharing, while gold remains stable amid geopolitical and inflation concerns. US crude stockpiles rise as product reserves decline, reflecting mixed supply-demand conditions. US stocks fall due to tariff uncertainty, with Trump’s comments on raising tariffs beyond 25% adding to volatility.
Dorel Industries in Canada warns of tariff-related supply chain disruptions, while Brazil’s Casas Bahia sees investor confidence as Rafael Ferri acquires a 5.11% stake. TC Energy projects a 40 BCF increase in gas demand over the next decade. New Zealand’s retail sales drop 4.2% year-over-year in February, though a slight month-over-month rise suggests a potential recovery.
North Korea escalates tensions with nuclear threats over South Korea’s military drills, while renewed US-Ukraine intelligence-sharing supports hopes for stability. The US Department of Education plans a 50% workforce cut to reduce costs, and the IMF approves a $1.2 billion disbursement to Argentina for economic relief.
12/3/2025 – Global Markets Climb as U.S. Inflation Data and Ukraine Optimism Offset Tariff Concerns
U.S. stocks rise as inflation data and Ukraine optimism outweigh tariff concerns, while Australian and New Zealand shares remain mixed. The U.S. dollar strengthens amid trade tensions, affecting commodity prices.
New Zealand’s economy shows resilience, with rising visitor arrivals and net migration boosting consumption. China’s talks with Walmart highlight supply chain pressures.
Geopolitical shifts impact markets, with Venezuela’s opposition pushing energy reforms, Ecuador’s political landscape shifting, and Trump’s regulatory rollbacks influencing U.S. policies.
Corporate earnings reflect market uncertainty, as Algoma Steel warns of tariff impacts on revenue. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg’s White House meetings suggest ongoing tech regulation discussions. In the Middle East, Syria’s new National Security Council and potential U.S. policy shifts on Gaza add to regional dynamics.
13/3/2025 – ECB Cuts Rates, Lowers Growth Forecast as Trade War Fears Linger
Trump’s tariff threats on European goods raise tensions. New Zealand’s PMI stays strong (53.9), while South Korea’s import price growth slows but export prices rise.
Brazil reviews Bolsonaro’s corruption case, and Duterte’s court appearance adds uncertainty in the Philippines.
South Korea benefits from lower import costs, but U.S.-Europe tariffs pressure the euro.
MGA Entertainment shifts production from China, and NFI Group expects weaker coach demand due to tariffs.
U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva’s death may affect legislation, while Ontario sees potential tariff relief.
14/3/2025 – Global Markets Rebound as Gold Hits Record High
Global stocks rebound from the S&P 500’s recent correction, lifting the Canadian dollar. Saudi Arabia maintains a stable outlook, benefiting from non-oil growth and strong capital markets. In contrast, Botswana faces fiscal pressure due to weak diamond exports.
Gold hits a record high as investors seek safe-haven assets. Botswana’s economy struggles amid low diamond demand, affecting its external balance. Brazil’s corn prices surge due to tight supply and strong demand.
Mark Carney’s appointment as Canada’s Prime Minister could shift trade policies, especially in relations with the U.S. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers work on a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown.
The EU cautions against escalating disputes, highlighting risks for multinational corporations, especially in the auto sector.
What to be on the lookout for next week?
17/3/2025 – Retail Sales (MoM) (US)
The US Census Bureau’s monthly Retail Sales data measures total receipts from retail and food stores, serving as a key consumer spending indicator. The data, adjusted for seasonal factors but not inflation, is derived from a sample of 4,800 firms and represents over three million businesses. A strong reading supports the US Dollar, while a weak one signals economic slowdown.
Retail Sales influence GDP and monetary policy decisions. External factors, like weather, can distort data. The Retail Sales Control Group is closely watched as it helps estimate Personal Consumption Expenditures.
The upcoming report is crucial for gauging economic momentum. A reading above the 0.7% forecast could signal strong demand and sustain a hawkish policy stance, while a weaker result may encourage dovish adjustments.
Unexpected economic shocks or weak consumer sentiment could lead to market volatility and policy shifts, raising concerns over consumer resilience.
19/3/2025 – BoJ Interest Rate Decision (JP)
The BoJ announces interest rates eight times a year. A rate hike is bullish for JPY, while a hold or cut is bearish.
This decision shapes Japan’s economic outlook and inflation strategy, influencing market expectations.
The BoJ is expected to maintain rates at 0.5%, prioritizing stability amid inflation concerns and global uncertainties.
Unexpected economic data, geopolitical tensions, or global shifts could trigger policy changes, impacting market sentiment.
20/3/2025 – BoJ Monetary Policy Statement (JP)
The BoJ releases a policy statement after each of its eight meetings, outlining economic outlook and potential policy shifts. A hawkish stance is bullish for JPY, while a dovish stance is bearish.
This statement influences interest rates, inflation expectations, and Japan’s economic growth, impacting JPY volatility.
The BoJ is expected to maintain an accommodative stance to support recovery, with policy shifts likely only if inflation rises significantly.
Unexpected inflation spikes or global economic shifts could trigger abrupt policy changes, leading to market volatility.
20/3/2025 – Fed Interest Rate Decision (US)
The Fed meets eight times a year to set interest rates, balancing inflation (2% target) and employment. Rate hikes strengthen the USD, cuts weaken it, and unchanged rates shift focus to the FOMC’s tone—hawkish or dovish.
This decision shapes inflation control and economic health, influencing global markets and investment strategies.
With rates expected to hold at 4.5%, the Fed aims for stability amid inflation and growth concerns. Any deviation could impact currencies, equities, and gold.
Unexpected data or geopolitical shifts could force policy changes, affecting inflation management and economic stability.
20/3/2025 – Fed Monetary Policy Statement (US)
This statement is a key signal for future rate moves, influencing inflation, growth, and financial markets.
Markets anticipate a cautious Fed stance, potentially signaling a pause in hikes. A dovish tone may suggest easing, while a hawkish stance could indicate tightening.
Dovish remarks may boost equities and gold, while a hawkish tone could strengthen the USD and pressure stocks.
20/3/2025 – Claimant Count Change (UK)
Measures the monthly change in unemployed benefit claimants, influencing GBP volatility. A rise is bearish for GBP, while a decline is bullish.
An early labor market gauge, this data impacts economic growth, monetary policy, and GBP sentiment. A higher-than-expected reading signals economic weakness.
Markets expect a decline in claimants, reflecting labor market resilience. Any deviation could affect rate expectations and market sentiment.
A sharp rise in claimants may weaken GBP, trigger market volatility, and raise concerns over economic stability amid inflation pressures.
20/3/2025 – Employment Change (3M) (UK)))
Measures employment shifts over three months. A rise is bullish for GBP, while a decline is bearish.
A key labor market indicator influencing inflation, growth, and monetary policy. A weak reading may prompt BoE easing.
Stability is expected, but deviations could shift rate expectations and market sentiment.
Unexpected job losses may trigger GBP volatility, market repricing, and policy uncertainty amid economic and geopolitical risks.
20/3/2025 – Monetary Policy Report (UK)
The Bank of England’s report outlines interest rate decisions, economic conditions, and future policy direction.
A key event shaping inflation expectations, interest rates, and investment strategies.
Stability is expected, though inflation concerns could influence future policy shifts.
Surprise inflation data or geopolitical events may drive market volatility and policy adjustments.
Q&A Section:
Q1: What led to optimism in the Euro on March 11, 2025?
A1: The Euro strengthened due to renewed optimism surrounding U.S.-Ukraine intelligence-sharing agreements. The improved diplomatic cooperation was seen as a positive step toward stabilizing the region, reducing geopolitical uncertainty, and strengthening investor confidence in European markets.
Q2: Why did gold hit a record high on March 14, 2025?
A2: Gold prices surged as investors turned to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset amid global economic uncertainty, tariff concerns, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Historically, gold performs well in times of market instability, inflationary fears, and central bank policy shifts.
