London Markets Take a Swoosh Under Trump’s Trade Game
It was a rough “Manic Monday” for the UK’s financial scene. The FTSE 100 opened a chilly 100 points lower, with the blue‑chip index down 112 points at 8,561.55. The slump was largely a ripple from the Asian markets as they traded in the split‑second night before.
Currency Chaos and Crypto Kicks
- The pound slid to $1.228 against the dollar.
- Bitcoin dipped 2.4% to $95.315.
- France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX both opened roughly 2% lower.
Why the Market’s Ongoing Scream
Neil Wilson, analyst at TipRanks, summed it up: “Trump’s moves feel more like a sledgehammer than a bargaining chip.” The selling pressure suggests that investors have once again been caught off guard by the President’s tariff tactics.
“If the tariffs stay in play, we’ll see a major reshaping of trade terms and currencies will need to adjust,” Wilson added.
Stock‑by‑Stock Reality Check
Brokers at AJ Bell pointed out that only four stocks charted positive territory in the early trade: Coca‑Cola HBC, British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands, and Haleon. “A can of Coke, a cigarette, and some headache tablets—simple comforts amidst chaos,” they said.
The atmosphere was decidedly risk‑off. Tech names were jettisoned as rates teetered higher for longer. Real‑estate prospects took a tumble with implied interest rates, dampening hopes of cheap borrowing. Mining firms pulled back, spooked by the possibility of an economic slowdown that could dent commodity demand.
What’s on the Horizon?
It’s still a cliff‑hanger whether Trump’s tariffs will unravel soon or keep them in place, causing a ripple that could last for months. Markets are holding their breath, ready for the next thunderclap.
