US Growth Fears Compound Tariff Nerves
Asian stocks are set to open on the defensive on Monday, taking the baton from a bruised Wall Street on Friday as worries over the U.S. economy and new tariff threats form President Donald Trump cast a cloud over world markets. The local calendar is light, with New Zealand retail sales and inflation from Singapore the main data points, and Reserve Bank of New Zealand Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby scheduled to speak in Wellington. Investors will digest Germany's election, which saw a victory for opposition conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany's best ever showing.
- The growing uncertainty surrounding US economic growth and trade policies has created a sense of nervousness among investors, who are increasingly seeking safe havens such as bonds and gold.
- As global markets become more interconnected, how will the impact of US policies on emerging economies and financial systems play out in the coming months?