(Bloomberg) — US equity-index futures retreated and the dollar strengthened after President Donald Trump ratcheted up trade tensions yet again by suggesting higher tariff rates on most trading partners.
Contracts for the S&P 500 fell 0.3% and a gauge of the dollar rose 0.2% after Trump said Thursday he plans to impose blanket levies of 15% or 20%. The current blanket tariff rate is 10%. The Canadian dollar weakened after Trump said he will impose 35% levy on some goods from the country. Gold rose for a third day and Treasuries edged lower. Trump is also planning to make a “major statement” on Russia and is mulling the use of sanctions.
Asian equities advanced 0.4% as Hong Kong stocks jumped 1.9%. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists raised their forecast for Asia ex-Japan stocks, citing a more favorable macro environment and lower tariff…
