 Market sentiment today is largely influenced by a mix of global PMI releases and ongoing uncertainty around US tariff policy. There are reports suggesting the Trump administration may exclude a set of sector-specific tariffs from the sweeping reciprocal levies set to begin on April 2. US futures are pointing to a solid open, suggesting investors are hoping for a more surgical, less disruptive approach to trade action. However, clarity is still lacking. It’s unclear whether excluded sectors will be spared entirely or if reciprocal tariffs will blanket all imports, with sectoral levies added on top later. Despite the ambiguity, sentiment has been lifted, with US futures pointing to a solid open. European currencies are also finding some support alongside gains in regional equities. However, upside in both Euro and Sterling is capped by mixed PMI data. In the Eurozone, manufacturing showed a smaller contraction and even a bounce in output, signaling green shoots. Yet, service sector growth lost momentum, adding to the sense of an uneven recovery. In the UK, services surprised with strong growth, but manufacturing activity deteriorated sharply, dragging down the overall tone of the report. Meanwhile, Australia outperformed, with both sectors registering improvements and supporting Aussie’s strength today. On the other hand, Yen is under pressure as Japan’s services PMI fell into contraction territory, raising concerns about domestic demand and the broader economic outlook..... |
