sian stocks plunged Monday, following Friday’s dramatic sell-off on Wall Street amid escalating trade tensions sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff increases and Beijing’s retaliation. U.S. futures pointed to continued losses. Futures for the S&P 500 declined 2.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped 2.1%, and Nasdaq futures slid 3.1%. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 fell nearly 8% shortly after markets opened, and by midday, the index was down 6% at 31,758.28. A circuit breaker was briefly triggered, halting trading in Topix futures after a sharp drop in U.S. futures. Financial stocks were among the hardest hit. Shares in Mizuho Financial Group plunged 11.3%, while Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s stock fell 9.9%, as investors grew increasingly anxious about the potential global economic impact of the trade conflict. Chinese markets, which often move independently of global trends, also experienced steep losses. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 9.4% to 20,703.30, and the Shanghai Composite Index shed 6.2% to close at 3,134.98. Shares in tech giants also took a hit, with Alibaba Group Holdings tumbling 10% and Tencent Holdings falling 9.4%. South Korea’s Kospi declined 4.1% to 2,363.82, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 3.8% to 7,377.70, after paring back from earlier losses exceeding 6%. Oil prices continued their descent, with U.S. benchmark crude dropping 4%, or $2.50, to $59.49 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, declined $2.25 to $63.33 a barrel. In currency markets, the U.S. dollar weakened to 146.70 Japanese yen from 146.94 yen. The yen, typically considered a safe haven in times of financial distress, gained ground. The euro eased to $1.0926 from $1.0962. Friday marked Wall Street’s most severe downturn since the COVID-19 crisis. The S&P 500 dropped 6%, the Dow fell 5.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 5.8%. Analysts anticipate heightened market volatility and further dramatic price movements in the near term, as hopes for a quick resolution to the trade dispute remain slim. Stock Market sees fall in Dhaka, rise in Chittagong on first day after Eid Nathan Thooft, chief investment officer and senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management, warned that more countries are likely to introduce retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. Given the number of parties involved, “we believe it will take significant time to navigate through the upcoming negotiations.” He added, “Our overall assessment is that market uncertainty and volatility are likely to continue for an extended period.” China's response to Trump’s latest tariff escalation intensified global market losses. Despite a surprisingly strong U.S. jobs report—typically the month's main economic highlight—it wasn’t enough to stop the market slide. So far, the trade war has yielded few if any winners in the financial markets. Beijing's announcement of retaliatory tariffs—including a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports starting April 10—fueled a fresh wave of selling across global exchanges. As the world's two largest economies, the U.S. and China are central to global economic stability. A major concern is that a prolonged trade war could tip the world into a recession, which may push equity prices even lower. The S&P 500 has already fallen 17.4% from its record high in February. Trump acknowledged that Americans may experience “some pain” due to tariffs but maintained that the long-term objectives—such as restoring manufacturing jobs to the U.S.—justify the cost. He appeared indifferent to the significant financial losses faced by investors. From his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump headed to his nearby golf course after posting on social media, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH.” The Federal Reserve could potentially soften the economic impact of tariffs by lowering interest rates, which generally encourages spending and borrowing. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned on Friday that tariffs may drive up inflation expectations, and rate cuts could further stoke price increases. “Our responsibility is to keep long-term inflation expectations well anchored and to ensure that a one-time rise in price levels does not evolve into persistent inflation,” Powell said. Much depends on how long Trump’s tariffs remain in place and how other countries respond. Some on Wall Street are still hopeful Trump might reduce tariffs if he can secure favourable outcomes through negotiations. Stuart Kaiser, head of U.S. equity strategy at Citi, noted in a Sunday briefing to clients that current earnings forecasts and stock valuations do not fully account for the trade war’s potential effects. “There’s still significant room for further decline despite the recent sharp pullback,” he said. There was no indication from the Trump administration that it intends to ease the tariff policy that has wiped out trillions in market value. In an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” White House trade adviser Peter Navarro reiterated the president’s position, insisting investors should remain calm. He claimed that the administration’s trade strategy would ultimately lead to “the biggest boom in the stock market we have ever seen.” Shift towards renewable energy both urgent necessity and strategic investment opportunity: BIDA “People just need to stay put, let the market find its bottom, and not get rattled by the panic driven by the media,” Navarro said.

Asian markets fell on Friday following a steep sell-off on Wall Street, triggered by the latest round of tariffs announced by Donald Trump, which dealt a fresh blow to the global economy on a scale not seen since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Futures for U.S. equities and oil prices also moved lower. Trump tariffs ignite global backlash, shake markets, trade alliances Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.6% to 33,818.18, while South Korea’s Kospi declined 0.8% to 2,467.14, as both nations moved toward talks with Trump’s administration to negotiate tariff reductions. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 retreated 1.9% to 7,713.60. Chinese markets remained closed due to a public holiday. Trump introduced a base tariff of 10% on imports, with significantly higher rates imposed on goods from certain nations, including China and EU member states. UBS analysts estimated that the full scope of these tariffs—comparable to levels not seen in nearly a century—could slash U.S. economic growth by two percentage points this year and push inflation toward 5%. Such a dramatic economic impact makes the likelihood of the tariffs being sustained seem “low,” according to Bhanu Baweja and other strategists at UBS. Trump previously acknowledged tariffs might cause “a little disturbance” in the economy and financial markets, and on Thursday, he again downplayed their effects as he departed for Florida from the White House. “The markets are going to boom, the stock is going to boom, and the country is going to boom,” he asserted. On Thursday, the S&P 500 plunged 4.8% to 5,396.52—its worst single-day performance since the pandemic-induced crash of 2020. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 4% to 40,545.93, and the Nasdaq composite sank 6% to 16,550.61. Markets across the board were hit by fears of a damaging combination of slowing economic growth and rising inflation driven by the tariffs. From crude oil to Big Tech stocks and even the U.S. dollar, prices fell. Gold, which had recently reached record highs as a safe haven, also edged lower. Smaller U.S. firms were especially affected, with the Russell 2000 index diving 6.6%, pushing it more than 20% below its all-time high. While investors were bracing for sweeping tariffs, Trump’s announcement still delivered what Mary Ann Bartels, CIO at Sanctuary Wealth, called “the worst case scenario.” For some time, Wall Street had assumed Trump would use tariffs mainly as leverage in trade negotiations, rather than implement them as permanent policy. But his remarks on reshoring manufacturing jobs suggest a more ideological commitment, rather than a tactical manoeuvre. Achieving such a shift could take years. If the tariffs are fully implemented, stock values may need to fall significantly more than the current 10% from their peak to factor in a potential recession and the decline in corporate earnings that could result. As of now, the S&P 500 is down 11.8% from its February record. “Markets may still be underestimating the full impact, especially if these rates turn out to be final,” said Sean Sun, a portfolio manager at Thornburg Investment Management, though he suggested the announcement might still represent an opening move. Trump's Tariff Hike: How will it affect Bangladesh? When asked about the market reaction as he headed to his Florida golf club, Trump remained optimistic. “I think it’s going very well,” he said. “We’re conducting a sort of economic surgery, like a major operation. This is exactly how I said it would go.” One variable in the situation is the Federal Reserve, which could lower interest rates to stimulate the economy. The Fed had been cutting rates late last year but paused in 2025. Lower rates can help businesses and consumers by making borrowing cheaper. Treasury yields plunged amid growing expectations of rate cuts and broader concerns about the U.S. economy. The 10-year Treasury yield fell sharply to 4.04% from 4.20% on Wednesday, down from around 4.80% in January—a significant move in the bond market. However, the Fed’s flexibility may be limited. While lower rates can spur economic activity, they can also drive inflation higher—something tariffs are already intensifying. American consumers are bracing for higher costs across the board. Despite the turmoil, recent data shows the U.S. economy is still expanding. A report released Thursday revealed a decline in jobless claims, surprising economists who had expected a rise in unemployment. A strong labour market has been key in preventing a recession so far. Another report showed growth in the U.S. services sector—encompassing transportation, finance, and other areas—though the pace was slower than forecast, and business sentiment was mixed. Worries over slowing economic momentum and stubborn inflation drove declines in a wide array of stocks, with four out of five S&P 500 companies finishing lower. Best Buy fell 17.8%, hurt by concerns over its global supply chain. United Airlines dropped 15.6%, as fears over the economy may reduce both business and leisure travel. Target declined 10.9%, amid worries that consumers already grappling with inflation might cut back further. In early Friday trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened slightly to 146.05 yen from 145.93 yen. The euro also edged up, rising to $1.1068 from $1.1052.

World leaders have reacted with dismay, threats of countermeasures, and calls for negotiations in response to sweeping new tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The import taxes, ranging from 10% to 49%, aim to bring factories and jobs back to the U.S. but have rattled global markets. Asian stocks fell sharply, and U.S. futures tumbled, signaling a volatile trading day ahead. Trump's Tariff Hike: How will it affect Bangladesh? Global Reactions Norway: Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the tariffs might violate NATO’s Article 2, which promotes economic cooperation among allies. He plans to raise the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Poland: Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Poland’s GDP could shrink by 0.4% but vowed that Polish-U.S. ties would endure. Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a €14.1 billion spending package to counter the tariffs' effects, calling the move "19th-century protectionism." Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized tariffs on remote Australian territories that do not export to the U.S., stressing Australia’s free trade policy. Hong Kong: Strongly opposed the tariffs and urged the U.S. to withdraw them, arguing that Hong Kong maintains a free trade policy. India: The Trade Ministry is expediting negotiations with the U.S. for a trade agreement to offset the impact of tariffs. The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner, with trade valued at $129 billion in 2024. Vietnam: The stock market plunged while gold prices hit a record high. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh remained hopeful for 8% growth despite the heavy 46% tariffs. Ukraine: Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said Ukraine is negotiating for better tariff conditions, stressing its low tariffs on U.S. goods. Japan: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed deep regret over the 25% auto tariff, saying Japanese firms have been major investors in the U.S. Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the tariffs an “attack” on global trade and warned of economic losses worldwide. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck labeled the move "Inflation Day," predicting it would trigger recessions. Fiji: Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad called the 32% tariffs on Fijian exports “disproportionate” and “unfair,” particularly since the U.S. is a major trading partner. China: The Foreign Ministry condemned the tariffs as "unilateral bullying actions" and a violation of WTO rules. United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged a "cool and calm" response and said negotiations for an economic prosperity deal would continue. Thailand: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Thailand is ready to negotiate and urged exporters to diversify markets. Trump set to announce 'reciprocal' tariffs in a risky move that could reshape the economy Industry and Business Impact Automakers: Stellantis will shut its Windsor, Canada, assembly plant for two weeks due to market uncertainty caused by the tariffs. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the company needs time to assess the situation. Southeast Asia: Some of the highest tariffs hit Vietnam (46%), Cambodia (49%), Bangladesh (37%), and Sri Lanka (44%). These measures could disrupt supply chains as multinational companies have shifted production to these countries to avoid earlier trade tensions. European Union: The European Commission called the tariffs a “major blow” to the global economy. Germany’s industry federation BDI urged the EU to coordinate a response with other major trading partners. Trump’s tariffs have triggered immediate global pushback, with nations considering countermeasures and negotiations. The economic fallout remains uncertain, but experts warn of rising costs and potential recessions worldwide. As affected countries prepare responses, global markets brace for continued volatility.

The US economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.4% in the final quarter of 2024, buoyed by a surge in consumer spending towards the end of the year, according to a government report released on Thursday. This marks a slight upward revision from the previous estimate of fourth-quarter growth. Bangladesh Bank re-fixed MFS transaction limit However, uncertainty remains regarding the country’s ability to maintain steady growth, as President Donald Trump pursues trade wars, undertakes mass dismissals in the federal workforce, and vows to deport undocumented immigrant workers. The Commerce Department reported that the gross domestic product (GDP) — the total output of goods and services in the nation — slowed from a 3.1% growth rate recorded between July and September 2024. For the entirety of 2024, the world's largest economy expanded by 2.8%, a slight decrease from the 2.9% growth seen in 2023. Consumer spending increased at a 4% rate, up from 3.7% in the third quarter of 2023. However, business investment declined, primarily due to an 8.7% drop in spending on equipment. A reduction in business inventories subtracted 0.84 percentage points from fourth-quarter GDP growth. A specific GDP component that reflects the economy’s fundamental strength rose at an annual rate of 2.9% in the fourth quarter, down from the earlier estimate of 3.2% and the third quarter’s 3.4%. This measure includes consumer spending and private investment while excluding more volatile elements such as exports, inventories, and government expenditure. The report released on Wednesday highlighted ongoing inflationary pressures at the end of 2024. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, climbed at an annual rate of 2.4%, rising from 1.5% in the third quarter and surpassing the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. When excluding volatile food and energy costs, core PCE inflation stood at 2.6%, compared to 2.2% in the previous quarter. Thursday’s release represents the government’s third and final assessment of fourth-quarter GDP. NBR preparing stricter tax exemption policy Looking ahead, the economic outlook appears more uncertain. Trump's recent decision to impose tariffs on various imports, including a newly announced 25% tax on foreign automobiles, may drive up inflation and discourage investment, potentially hindering economic growth.

Asian stock markets were mostly lower on Monday, following a tech-driven rally that helped Wall Street break a four-week losing streak. U.S. stock futures rose as investors looked ahead to developments concerning President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Reports indicated that Trump may narrow his broad tariff approach to focus on countries with significant trade surpluses with the U.S., many of which are in Asia. Deepal signs agreement with Crack Platoon for nationwide EV charging network President Trump has set April 2 as a deadline for imposing additional tariffs on trading partners, following a series of prior deadlines that had been postponed, sometimes at the last moment. During a meeting with business leaders and U.S. Senator Steve Daines, the first U.S. Congress member to visit Beijing since Trump’s inauguration, Chinese Premier Li Qiang adopted a conciliatory tone. Li stated that relations between the two countries had reached a crucial point and emphasized the need for dialogue over confrontation and win-win cooperation instead of zero-sum competition. He expressed China’s hope for joint efforts with the U.S. to ensure steady and sustainable relations between the two nations. The meeting also involved leaders from major American businesses, including FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, Boeing Senior VP Brendan Nelson, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. IG’s Junrong Yeap noted that Trump administration officials had hinted that the list of affected countries may not be universal, and existing tariffs, such as those on steel, might not necessarily be cumulative. This sparked optimism that Trump’s tariff plans might be more posturing than substantial. Despite this, Chinese markets remained sluggish. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 0.3% to 23,613.50, while the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.3% to 3,356.50. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 remained mostly flat at 37,676.97, after a preliminary manufacturing report showed the fastest decline in output in a year, with new orders falling at an even quicker rate. Taiwan’s Taiex rose by 0.1%. On Friday, the S&P 500 edged up by 0.1% to 5,667.56, marking a 0.5% weekly gain, though it remains down 4.8% for the month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.1% to 41,985.35, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5% to 17,784.05. Technology stocks led the charge, helping to offset broader declines in the S&P 500. The tech sector, which has been central to the market's recent sell-offs after a strong performance in the previous year, includes some of Wall Street’s most valuable stocks. Apple rose by around 2%, and Microsoft added 1.1%. However, Nvidia fell by 0.7%, while Micron Technology saw an 8% drop, marking the biggest decline among S&P 500 stocks. Johnson & Johnson plans $55b in US investments over the next 4yrs Stocks have been struggling for weeks due to concerns about the U.S. economy's direction. A trade war with key U.S. trading partners threatens to exacerbate inflation, impacting both consumers and businesses. Inflation remains persistently above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and tariffs could undermine the central bank's efforts to control inflation. Recent economic data on home sales, industrial production, and unemployment suggested the economy remains resilient, while other reports on consumer sentiment and retail sales revealed growing caution among consumers. Businesses have been warning investors about the negative impacts of tariffs, inflation, and uncertainty on costs. Homebuilder Lennar dropped by 4% after issuing a weaker-than-expected forecast for new orders and average sales prices in the current quarter. The company attributed the decline to high interest rates, inflation, and decreased consumer confidence, which are all impacting the already challenging housing market. In other markets, U.S. benchmark crude oil declined by 22 cents to $68.06 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell by 30 cents to $71.86 per barrel. The U.S. dollar rose to 149.78 Japanese yen from 149.37 yen, while the euro edged up to $1.0823 from $1.0816.

With anticipation growing over President Donald Trump's upcoming tariff announcements, Wall Street opened lower on Thursday ahead of key inflation and jobless claims data. Futures for the S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declined 0.2%. Nasdaq futures also fell, sliding 0.5%. Canada and the EU swiftly retaliate against Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs Intel emerged as one of the biggest gainers overnight, surging more than 11% after appointing semiconductor industry veteran and former board member Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO. Tan, 65, is set to take on the challenging role next week, over three months after former CEO Pat Gelsinger’s abrupt retirement amid Intel’s ongoing downturn. Conversely, American Eagle Outfitters saw an early decline despite surpassing fourth-quarter sales and profit expectations. The retailer noted that an “uncertain consumer and operating landscape” was dampening demand for the current quarter. Its cautious outlook concerned investors, leading to a 9% drop in shares before the market opened. Uncertainty has dominated recent market trends, with fluctuations occurring each time President Trump announces—or postpones—a new round of tariffs. The market has been unsettled as investors and economists attempt to assess the extent of economic strain Trump is willing to impose through tariffs and other measures. In response to Trump’s tariff decisions, the European Union, Canada, and China have introduced retaliatory tariffs of their own. Even if Trump opts for less aggressive tariffs, the impact may still be significant. The continuous cycle of tariff announcements and reversals has already begun eroding confidence among U.S. consumers and businesses by amplifying uncertainty. This could lead to reduced spending by households and companies, slowing overall economic growth. Asian markets slip despite Wall Street rebound amid trade war uncertainty Some U.S. businesses report that customer behavior has already begun to shift. Later on Thursday, new government data will be released regarding inflation at the wholesale level, along with a report detailing the number of Americans who filed for jobless benefits in the past week. In European markets, Germany’s DAX was down 0.4% by midday, while France’s CAC 40 rose 0.1%. Meanwhile, Britain’s FTSE 100 remained unchanged. Asian markets experienced broad declines as investors monitored developments in Trump’s trade policies. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.6% to 23,462.65, while the Shanghai Composite index slipped 0.4% to 3,358.73. Japan’s Nikkei 225, which initially gained, closed 0.1% lower at 37,790.03. South Korea’s Kospi inched down 0.1% to 2,573.64, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.5% to 7,749.10. Elsewhere, Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 1.4%, India’s Sensex slipped 0.1%, and Bangkok’s SET edged up 0.1%.

Wall Street experienced some relief after an encouraging report revealed that inflation eased more than anticipated last month, allowing stocks to recover a portion of their steep losses from recent weeks. The S&P 500 climbed 1% in early trading Wednesday, following a brief dip a day earlier of more than 10% below its record high set last month. Vision unveils affordable 4D Ultra series air conditioner The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 251 points, while the Nasdaq composite rose by 1.8%. Leading the gains were Big Tech stocks, which had previously suffered due to concerns that their valuations had become excessively high in recent years. Tesla, whose stock price had fallen by more than half since mid-December, rebounded with a 7% increase. U.S. futures and oil prices showed an upward trend. France's CAC 40 edged up 0.9% in early trading to 8,014.58, while Germany's DAX jumped 1.5% to 22,644.81, and Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.5% to 8,542.24. U.S. shares appeared poised to move higher, with Dow futures gaining nearly 0.1% to 41,510.00 and S&P 500 futures climbing 0.6% to 5,610.00. The escalation of Trump's trade war has unsettled global markets. He increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, leading Ontario to remove a surcharge that had sparked his ire. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 remained mostly unchanged, rising by less than 0.1% to 36,819.09. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.9% to 23,566.42, while the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.2% to 3,371.92. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropped 1.3% to 7,786.20, whereas South Korea's Kospi advanced 1.5% to 2,574.82. Market sentiment remained subdued due to uncertainty over how much economic strain Trump is willing to endure to achieve his objectives. “Trump’s tariff policies continue to create instability in markets, leaving investors uncertain about which measures will be introduced or revoked next,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade. Actions taken by Trump and remarks from the White House on Tuesday provided little clarity. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The president will look out for Wall Street and for Main Street.” Recent market fluctuations have been accompanied by further warning signs regarding the economy, as Trump’s inconsistent tariff implementation generates confusion and pessimism among U.S. households and businesses. These tariffs have the potential to directly harm the economy by driving up costs for American consumers and disrupting global trade. Even if their impact is less severe than feared, the constant uncertainty may deter U.S. businesses and consumers from investing or spending. In energy markets, benchmark U.S. crude rose by 34 cents to $66.59 per barrel, while Brent crude, the global standard, increased by 31 cents to $69.87 per barrel. Stock market trends maintain upward momentum in Dhaka, Chattogram In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened to 148.50 Japanese yen from 147.78 yen, while the euro inched up to $1.0921 from $1.0919.

Walmart experienced a strong performance throughout 2024, but potential challenges loom in 2025, reports AP. The retail giant achieved another year of solid sales and profits, with its competitive pricing continuing to attract inflation-conscious shoppers. However, uncertainties in the economic landscape suggest difficulties ahead. Texas gunman in Walmart shooting gets 90 consecutive life sentences and may still face death penalty Walmart’s 2025 earnings forecast falls short of analysts’ expectations by as much as 27 cents per share, while its quarterly outlook is up to 7 cents below Wall Street projections. The company's sales forecast is also underwhelming, possibly signalling growing obstacles as consumer spending weakens and President Donald Trump's tariffs on China and other nations pose a threat to Walmart’s low-price strategy. Despite implementing measures to mitigate some tariff risks, Walmart remains vulnerable. Groceries, which constitute about 60% of its U.S. business, are largely unaffected by international trade policies. However, Walmart's stock plunged nearly 9% before Thursday’s market opening, dragging down other major retailers, including Target, which saw a 2% decline. As one of the first major U.S. retailers to release quarterly results, Walmart’s numbers provide insight into consumer sentiment, especially in light of new trade barriers that many economists fear could drive inflation higher. Over the past year, shoppers have prioritised essential purchases over discretionary items like electronics, furniture, and appliances, exercising greater caution due to rising costs for both credit and groceries. Walmart boosts outlook after a strong first quarter and rising online sales Walmart has thrived in this environment, leveraging its scale to maintain lower prices and gain market share, particularly among households earning over $100,000. Its e-commerce expansion and Walmart+ membership programme have also drawn wealthier customers. “We have momentum driven by our low prices, a growing assortment, and an eCommerce business focused on faster delivery times,” said CEO Doug McMillon. “We’re gaining market share, our top line is healthy, and our inventory is in great shape.” Nevertheless, the company may face heightened challenges as the new tariffs present greater economic risks compared to Trump’s first term. Economists warn that if Americans experience another wave of price increases, consumer spending—accounting for 70% of the U.S. economy—could decline broadly, impacting not just Walmart’s sales but the economy at large. Recent government data showed a sharp decline in January retail sales, partly due to cold weather, though the drop was larger than expected—the biggest in a year. While December sales were revised higher, it may suggest consumers are cutting back after holiday spending. Meanwhile, grocery prices, a persistent concern for American households, have continued to rise. Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, reported quarterly earnings of $5.25 billion, or 65 cents per share, for the period ending Jan. 31, compared to $5.49 billion, or 68 cents per share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share stood at 66 cents. Quarterly sales grew by 4.1% to reach $180.55 billion, surpassing analysts’ forecast of $180.07 billion, according to FactSet. Comparable sales for Walmart’s U.S. division—including online and physical stores open for at least a year—rose 4.6%, slightly below the 5.3% increase in the previous quarter. The company reported a 4.2% rise in the second quarter and 3.8% in the first quarter. Global e-commerce sales climbed 16% in the latest quarter, a slowdown from the 27% growth seen in the third quarter. 'Bodies drop' as Walmart manager kills 6 in Virginia attack For the first quarter, Walmart expects earnings per share between 57 and 58 cents, well below Wall Street’s 64-cent projection. For the full year, the company anticipates earnings per share of $2.50 to $2.60, falling short of the $2.77 analysts predicted. The retailer projects a 3% to 4% rise in quarterly sales, ranging between $166.35 billion and $167.97 billion, which could disappoint analysts who expected $167.05 billion. For the year, Walmart forecasts sales growth of 3% to 4%, reaching between $667.57 billion and $674.05 billion—significantly lower than analysts’ estimate of $708.72 billion, according to FactSet.

Asia’s stock markets displayed mixed performances on Wednesday, with Chinese technology stocks retreating after a brief rally, reports AP. The Hang Seng Index declined by 0.27% to 22,915.70, whereas the Shanghai Composite climbed 0.81% to 3,351.54. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dipped 0.27% to 39,164.61, following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning of a 25% tariff on car imports, a move that could negatively affect Japan’s economy. UK inflation hits 10-month high Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 1.7% to 2,671.52, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.73% to 8,419.20. China’s technology stocks tumbled on Wednesday following a short-lived surge earlier in the week. Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed shares declined by 1.58%, while Baidu dropped 2.33% after reporting a 2% year-on-year revenue decrease for the fourth quarter amid intensifying artificial intelligence competition in China. Tencent, a leading video game company, saw its stock fall by 1.37%, while online services giant Meituan lost 3.24%. “Hong Kong and mainland China led the sell-off, letting some air out of the risk-on sentiment that had driven Asia’s market rebound,” noted Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management. “Japanese stocks also followed the downturn, with automakers Toyota and Honda hit hard after Trump issued fresh threats—this time targeting autos, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals with potential 25% tariffs,” he added. The drop in Chinese tech shares occurred despite U.S. markets edging higher, with the S&P 500 setting a new record on Tuesday. NBR to launch AEO next week to fast track int'l businesses The benchmark for Wall Street’s performance gained 0.2%, surpassing its previous all-time closing high from last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 10 points, or under 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite increased by 0.1%. In energy markets, U.S. benchmark crude climbed 43 cents to $72.26 per barrel, while Brent crude, the global standard, increased by 40 cents to $76.24 per barrel. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar slipped to 151.71 Japanese yen from 152.01 yen, while the euro rose to $1.0455 from $1.0446.

Inflation in the UK climbed to a 10-month high in January, according to official data released on Wednesday, a development that is likely to temper expectations of swift interest rate cuts from the Bank of England, reports AP. The Office for National Statistics reported that inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index, increased to 3% in the year to January, up from 2.5% the previous month. NBR to launch AEO next week to fast track int'l businesses This rise, which pushed inflation further beyond the bank’s 2% target, was primarily driven by higher airfares, food costs, and private school fees following the new Labour government’s decision to introduce a sales tax. While economists had projected an increase to 2.8%, the magnitude of the surge has been unexpectedly high and is likely to raise concerns among central bank policymakers, particularly as they continue to express apprehensions about the UK's sluggish economic growth. Earlier this month, the bank reduced its main interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.50%—its third cut in six months—after slashing its 2025 growth forecast for the UK to 0.75%. If growth remains weak, it will be a significant setback for the UK’s new Labour government, which has prioritised economic expansion as a means of improving living standards and generating revenue for underfunded public services. As growth remains elusive, the party’s popularity has declined sharply since its election victory in July. The government will undoubtedly hope that the central bank provides support by further reducing interest rates, as this would lower mortgage costs and make borrowing more affordable, albeit at the expense of reduced returns for savers. DSE opens lower, CSE sees early gains Most economists expect inflation to rise further in the coming months due to increasing domestic energy bills, before beginning to decline in the latter half of the year. This should provide policymakers with scope to cut interest rates again—though possibly fewer times than previously anticipated. “A rate cut in March now seems highly unlikely, with the bank maintaining its cautious approach to easing for the time being,” said Luke Bartholomew, deputy chief economist at abrdn, formerly Aberdeen Asset Management. “However, whether the pace of rate cuts accelerates later in the year will depend on inflationary pressures returning towards 2%.”