Global Markets Shiver as Trade Tensions and Tariff Uncertainty Loom Large

Global financial markets faced a downturn on Thursday following a softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report and fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing. Investors showed hesitation amid ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes and instability in the Middle East.

The recent framework agreement between the U.S. and China aims to lift limitations on rare earth exports and ease student exchanges. While President Trump expressed satisfaction with the deal, markets remained skeptical, awaiting more comprehensive information.

In response to continued tariff uncertainty, stock indices across Asia, including Japan's Nikkei and China's blue-chip index, along with U.S. and European futures, recorded losses. Concurrently, currency markets witnessed the euro strengthening against a declining dollar, as concerns over rising inflation and economic growth pressed on.

(With inputs from agencies.)