Tokyo — Stock markets slipped on Friday after US President Donald Trump proposed tariffs on more Chinese products, aggravating trade tensions, while the dollar steadied before the closely watched US non-farm payrolls report. Spreadbetters expected European stocks to open lower, with Britain’s FTSE falling 0.5%, Germany’s DAX shedding 0.85% and France’s CAC losing 0.75%. The S&P 500 E-mini futures were down 1%, pointing to a lower start for Wall Street later in the session. Trump said late on Thursday he had instructed US trade officials to consider $100bn in additional tariffs on China, fuelling the trade dispute between the world’s two economic superpowers. China’s Ministry of Commerce said it would take new comprehensive measures to safeguard the country’s interests if the US stuck to its protectionist behaviour. "Trump’s order to consider whether $100bn of additional tariffs would be appropriate, and recent trade actions and rhetoric in recent weeks, is an example of how battles ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.