Stock Markets Surge on US-EU Trade Deal Hopes; US-Japan Agreement Confirmed
Key Takeaways
- Hopes for a US-EU trade deal around 15% tariffs boost European stock markets.
- Brazil challenges U.S. tariffs at WTO with support from 40 countries, calling them arbitrary.
- US DoJ prepares criminal charges against companies evading tariffs, effective August 1.
- US and Japan reach trade deal; Japan commits to buying 100 Boeing airplanes.
- Recession risk in autumn 2025 is rising with tariff uncertainty, says Bill Conerly.
Top Stories
Asian stocks rise on US-EU trade deal hopes.
Asian stocks are set to extend gains on hopes of a U.S.-EU trade deal, following a US-Japan agreement, with the automotive sector seeing an increase. The White House released an AI action plan, urging more development of the technology by losing regulations and expanding energy supply for data centers.
European markets rise on US-EU trade deal hopes.
European stock markets are rising due to hopes of a trade agreement between the US and the EU, with expectations of tariffs around 15%. The Dax rose by around one percent to 24,464 points on Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, while the Nikkei in Tokyo rose by 1.7 percent to 41,881 points due to the confirmed trade deal between the US and Japan.
US stock futures mixed, EU-US tariff agreement.
On July 23-24, 2025, US stock futures traded mixed, with Nasdaq 100 futures rising while Dow Jones futures slipped. The EU and US are closing in on a 15% tariff agreement for most imports from Europe, instead of the 30% threatened.
Brazil challenges US tariffs at WTO.
Brazil decided to bring the 50% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Brazilian products to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Brazil criticized U.S. unilateral tariffs at the WTO, calling them arbitrary and against rules, with support from about 40 countries.
US DoJ prepares criminal charges for tariff evasion.
The U.S. Department of Justice is preparing criminal charges against companies and individuals attempting to evade U.S. tariffs, including those introduced by former President Donald Trump. The Justice Department is adding staff to a new division focused on trade fraud, with new tariffs including 10% across-the-board, 30% on Chinese goods, and 50% on steel and aluminum, set to take effect on August 1.
US and Japan reach trade agreement, Boeing benefits.
On July 23, 2025, the U.S. and Japan reached a trade agreement where Japan committed to buying 100 Boeing airplanes. This deal, announced by President Donald Trump, involves a $550 billion investment and establishes a new trade framework between the two nations.
Recession risk rising with tariff uncertainty.
On July 24, 2025, Bill Conerly reported that recession risk in autumn 2025 is rising with tariff uncertainty, with a 60-40 chance of avoiding a recession if tariff issues are settled by summer's end. If tariffs are not settled by the end of summer, a recession is expected in the fall and winter.
Business News
Bain Capital on private capital and trade.
On July 23, 2025, David Gross, Co-Managing Partner at Bain Capital, discussed how private capital is reacting to macro headwinds, noting that public markets are reacting drastically to trade optimism, but this volatility hasn't fully translated to private markets. Gross also addressed the dollar's decline, stating Bain Capital factors in scenarios for the dollar to revert to long-term trends.
Forbes CFO newsletter.
Published on July 22, 2025, the Forbes CFO newsletter discusses key issues for CFOs, including concerns about the economy and a potential recession. The article highlights the importance of data sharing between managers, HR, and the finance department for better-informed staffing decisions.
Finance Trends
Japanese government bonds sell-off.
On July 23 and 24, 2025, Japanese government bonds experienced a sell-off, with the 10-year JGB yield rising to 1.6%, the highest since October 2008. This was driven by concerns about fiscal conditions and political risks, particularly regarding a minority coalition government and potential increased government borrowing under a more expansionary budget.
Yen's fluctuations amid trade talks.
On July 23 and 24, 2025, the yen traded in the 146 yen range against the dollar in the NY foreign exchange market, with the market taking a cautious stance ahead of trade talks by the Trump administration. The Japanese yen initially strengthened to 146.20 per dollar following the trade deal announcement but weakened after reports of Ishiba's potential resignation next month.
Investors shift to investment-grade bonds.
On July 21-22, 2025, investors shifted from equities to investment-grade corporate bonds, driving borrowing costs to their lowest levels since 1998. Approximately $10 billion left domestic equity funds, while over $180 billion went into taxable bond funds.
Global Economy
Trump discusses trade negotiations with EU, proposes tariffs.
On July 23-24, 2025, President Trump stated the U.S. is having serious trade negotiations with the EU, suggesting reciprocal tariff rates between 15% and 50%. He proposed lower tariffs for the EU if it opens up to American companies, while EU leaders and China met in Beijing amidst trade tensions.
Taiwanese trade negotiators in Washington for talks.
Taiwanese trade negotiators are in Washington for trade talks with U.S. officials, aiming to secure a deal and avoid potential tariffs. The negotiations seek to promote balanced trade and improve the economic and trade framework between Taiwan and the U.S.
Study: Chinese yuan undervaluation impacts Eurozone trade.
On July 23, 2025, the German Economic Institute (IW) released a study indicating that the undervaluation of the Chinese yuan is contributing to the Eurozone's trade deficit. The study suggests potential manipulation of the yuan-euro exchange rate by the People's Bank of China, keeping prices artificially low.
RBA Governor supports cautious easing.
RBA Governor Michele Bullock supports a cautious and gradual easing of monetary policy, given the Australian labor market shows modest softening. She notes strong labor demand and slowing core inflation, with the jobs market remaining robust.
Sri Lanka's central bank maintains interest rate.
On July 22-23, 2025, Sri Lanka's central bank maintained its benchmark interest rate/policy rate at 7.75%, citing tariff uncertainty and economic stability. The decision was made after considering domestic and global developments, including trade uncertainties and recurring geopolitical conflicts.
ECB expected to pause rate cuts.
On July 24, 2025, the European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to pause interest rate cuts, holding the policy rate at 2%, influenced by inflation returning to the ECB’s 2% target. Uncertainties in U.S.–EU trade relations, influenced by potential tariffs, and the rising euro pose challenges.
RBA considers interest rate adjustments.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is considering interest rate adjustments, with the July meeting minutes highlighting that the board agreed further rate cuts warranted over time and focus was on timing and extent of easing. The board is awaiting an inflation update before deciding whether to cut interest rates in August 2025.
Janet Yellen on Fed independence.
Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen appeared on CNBC's 'Squawk Box' on July 22, 2025, to discuss the importance of maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence. The discussion included the potential impact of firing Fed Chair Powell, candidates for the next Fed Chair, her thoughts on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the state of the economy, and her views on crypto.
BOJ sees no need to alter policy.
Following the Upper House election, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) sees no pressing need to alter its current scenario for achieving its price target or its course of continued interest rate hikes. The BOJ will monitor the impact of future fiscal policies on the economy and prices.
RBNZ prepared to lower interest rates.
RBNZ chief economist Paul Conway stated the central bank is prepared to lower interest rates further if the inflation outlook softens due to global trade uncertainties. Conway warned that US tariffs could negatively impact economic growth and inflation.
Citi México anticipates Banxico rate cut.
Analysts from Citi México anticipate Banxico to cut the interest rate by 25 basis points in August, potentially reaching 7.50% by the end of 2025. General inflation expectations for the year remain at 4.00 percent.
Citi on AI trade and tariffs.
On July 22, 2025, Lucy Baldwin, global head of research at Citi, discussed US exceptionalism tied to the AI trade, believing the AI trade has room to run. Baldwin notes the impact from tariffs is starting to show in inflation data, potentially pressuring corporate margins and impacting consumer spending and the labor market.
Turkey's economic growth to slow.
Turkey's economic growth is expected to slow to 2.8% in 2025, according to a Reuters poll of economists published on July 23, 2025. Inflation is expected to remain higher than government predictions, falling to 30% this year and 21% by the end of 2026.
BOJ to raise interest rates.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to raise its key interest rate by at least 25 basis points by year-end 2025, according to a Reuters poll. Economists forecast core consumer inflation to reach 2.6% in the current fiscal year and slow to 1.7% in fiscal 2026.
Deutsche Bank on Fed rate cuts.
Published on July 23, 2025, the article discusses Deutsche Bank's view that investors are anticipating too many rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The firm suggests that the number of rate cuts may be smaller due to the impact of tariffs on inflation.
FOMC to decide on federal funds rate.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will decide on whether to lower the federal funds rate (FFR) on July 30, with the US set to impose reciprocal tariffs on goods imported from America's trading partners on August 1. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the Fed, which weighed on the US Dollar Index and boosted the price of gold.
Market Overview
Wall Street gains on trade deal optimism.
On July 23, 2025, Wall Street saw gains, with the Dow Jones increasing by 1.14%, the S&P 500 rising by 0.78%, and the Nasdaq advancing by 0.61%. Gains followed announcements of tariff agreements with Japan and the Philippines, and optimism in trade talks with the EU.
Silver prices hit 14-year high amid trade talks.
On July 23, 2025, silver prices reached a nearly 14-year high, hitting $39.63 per ounce, influenced by trade negotiations between the US and the EU. Investor interest and concerns regarding U.S. tariff policies also contributed to silver's rise.
Wall Street closes mixed, GM profit down due to tariffs.
On July 22, 2025, Wall Street indexes closed with mixed results, with the Dow gaining 0.40% and the Nasdaq falling 0.39%. General Motors' second-quarter core profit slid 32% due to tariff costs, and President Trump announced a new trade deal with the Philippines, reducing tariffs to 19%.
S&P 500 reaches record close.
The S&P 500 reached its 12th record close of 2025, with stocks to watch including Honeywell, American Airlines, Blackstone, Intel, Tesla, Alphabet, and Coinbase due to various company performances and market trends.