US stock futures are experiencing fluctuation, with investors facing uncertainty due to ongoing tariffs headlines. The pound weakened after data showed an unexpected slowdown in UK inflation.
S&P 500 futures were little changed after a three-day advance, while Tesla Inc. and Nvidia Corp. edged lower in premarket trading. GameStop Corp. jumped 13% after announcing plans to add Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. Dollar Tree Inc. advanced as it neared a sale of its Family Dollar business for $1 billion.
However, the tariffs issue remains a concern, with investors still trying to navigate the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s approach. A potential earlier-than-expected tariff on copper has added to the complexity, making it challenging for businesses and consumers to plan ahead.
Analysts point to a slowing global economy as another factor contributing to market volatility. The latest US data showed consumer confidence at a four-year low, while durable goods orders are expected to be softer than previously anticipated. This has led to concerns about a sharp economic downturn, which is affecting the performance of US equities.
The S&P 500 is set for its worst first-quarter performance in three years, with growth-linked technology names under most pressure. Meanwhile, the Stoxx 600 is on track for its best quarter since end-2022.
In the UK, data showing an unexpected inflation slowdown has strengthened the case for the Bank of England to cut interest rates. The Chancellor of the Exchequer will release a spring economic statement later today, which may include cuts in government spending by billions of pounds.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/asian-stocks-gain-us-rises-222832522.html