Is Tariff Policy Driving Global Market Moves?

April 29, 2025 05:30 AM BST | By Team Kalkine Media
 Is Tariff Policy Driving Global Market Moves?
Image source: © Ivas76 | Megapixl.com

Highlights

  • FTSE 100 posts modest gains, FTSE 250 outpaces large caps.

  • International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG) declines amid power outage disruptions.

  • Dow Jones and S and P 500 benchmarks advance on tariff revisions and corporate updates.

Global equity markets encompass major regional benchmarks and individual names across industries such as manufacturing, financial services and consumer goods. Benchmark movements respond to central bank signals, fiscal policy updates and international trade measures. Ongoing negotiations between major economies and shifts in monetary policy contribute to session-to-session volatility. Tracking index performance offers insight into economic momentum and investor engagement, guiding visibility on sector health from energy and materials to technology and retail. Benchmark indices also serve as a barometer for regional conditions and cross-border capital flows in response to geopolitical developments.

European Market Trends

European markets recorded modest gains as the week progressed. The FTSE 100 posted a mild uptick, while the domestically oriented FTSE 250 outpaced its large-cap counterpart, supported by advances in consumer and financial segments. Spain’s IBEX 35 rose by a matching amount despite a nationwide power outage that disrupted service across critical regions. Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 also registered advances, with industrial and technology sectors contributing to a broad-based advance across the Continent.

Corporate Developments

In corporate news, International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (LSE:IAG) experienced a share price decline after flight disruptions tied to the Spanish power outage. In the United States, manufacturing figures from the Dallas Federal Reserve showed a slip to levels last seen during the early pandemic period. Discussions around ongoing effects of trade dynamics and tariff shifts on production volumes have drawn attention, as cross-border measures continue to shape input costs and supply chain factors for manufacturers.

U.S. Market Trends

Revisions to U.S. tariff measures prompted varied responses among key benchmarks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded a moderate advance, while the S and P 500 benchmark also moved higher in early trade, reflecting a balance between policy news and corporate updates. Among individual names, Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Visa (NYSE:V) led sectors in gains after a collaboration in aerospace manufacturing, whereas technology bellwethers Nvidia  and Microsoft saw slight pullbacks. Broader market engagement remained tied to updates on trade discussions and economic releases.

Cybersecurity Incident

A cyberattack forced Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LSE:MKS) to pause online ordering across its retail platform. Digital operations remain offline as security teams work to restore systems and protect data, resulting in a noticeable dip in the company’s equity value. This event underscores the need for resilient cybersecurity infrastructure within retail and service networks, as digital channels become integral to customer engagement and operational effectiveness.


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