FTSE 100 LIVE: Trump’s New Tariffs Wipe Trillions Off Global Markets – Key Takeaways

By: Swarnalata

Published on: Apr 04, 2025

How Trump’s Latest Tariffs Are Reshaping Global Trade and Stock Markets

The FTSE 100 (^FTSE) and European stocks continued their downward spiral on Friday, capping off a brutal week for global markets after former President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on international trade. The move has triggered the worst stock sell-off since 2020, erasing a staggering $2.5 trillion in market value.

Key Market Reactions: FTSE 100, DAX, and STOXX 600 Plunge

• FTSE 100 dropped 0.9%, heading for a 2.9% weekly loss.


• Germany’s DAX (^GDAXI) fell 0.4%, while France’s CAC 40 (^FCHI) declined 0.7%.


• STOXX 600 (^STOXX), Europe’s broadest index, slid 1.1%.

Biggest Losers in the FTSE 100

Banking and mining stocks took the hardest hit:

• Banks: Standard Chartered (STAN.L), Barclays (BARC.L), NatWest (NWG.L), and HSBC (HSBA.L) all fell over 2.9%.


• Miners: Glencore (GLEN.L), Antofagasta (ANTO.L), and Anglo American (AAL.L) were among the worst performers.

Trump’s New Tariffs: What’s Different This Time?

Trump’s latest tariffs mark the highest US import duties in over a century, with key changes from his first term:

• 10% tariff on UK imports (lower than the 20% imposed on the EU).


• The UK has threatened retaliatory tariffs, signaling a potential trade war.


• Trump remains open to negotiations, calling for "phenomenal" trade deals to lower rates.

Why Are Markets Panicking?

• Global trade uncertainty: Investors fear prolonged economic disruption.


• Retaliatory measures: Countries may impose counter-tariffs, hurting exports.


• Sector-specific risks: Banks and commodity stocks are highly exposed to trade volatility.

What’s Next for Investors?

• Monitor UK and EU trade negotiations for potential relief.


• Watch for Federal Reserve responses to market instability.


• Consider defensive stocks (utilities, healthcare) amid volatility.