Asian Markets Edge Up, Euro Rallies as Trump Delays EU Tariff Deadline

Asian stock markets rose slightly on Monday while the euro gained, after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed his proposed 50% tariffs on European Union goods to July 9. The extension, announced after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, offered a temporary reprieve and fueled cautious optimism in global markets.

MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan inched up 0.12%, and Japan’s Nikkei traded slightly higher. Trading volumes remained light with U.S. and UK markets closed for public holidays. However, sentiment remains fragile as Trump’s unpredictable trade tactics continue to unsettle investors.

Markets had recently stabilized following new trade deals with the UK and a temporary agreement with China. But Trump’s tariff threats, including a 25% levy on imported iPhones, have reignited fears of a global economic slowdown. Analysts from Brown Brothers Harriman warned that escalating tensions among the U.S., EU, and China—who collectively represent 60% of global GDP—could have widespread economic implications.

Japan’s Nippon Steel surged 4.3% after Trump backed its $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, which soared 21% on Friday. Meanwhile, investors are eyeing Japan’s upcoming inflation data and super-long bond yields for clues on Bank of Japan policy.

The euro rose 0.3% to $1.1397, hitting its highest level since April 30, while the dollar recovered 0.3% to 143.085 yen. China’s blue-chip index slipped 0.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.4%.

Markets are also anticipating Nvidia’s earnings report on Wednesday. The AI leader's stock is down over 2% this year amid rising competition from Chinese models and concerns over U.S. export restrictions. Nvidia is reportedly preparing a lower-priced AI chip for China, pending U.S. approval.

Crude oil prices edged higher while gold slightly retreated.