Global Markets Mixed as Investors Digest Recent Tariffs and Tech Headlines – June 5, 2025

Global markets are trading with mixed sentiment this Wednesday, as investors react to a combination of macroeconomic updates, recent U.S. tariff moves, and continued developments in the tech and commodity sectors. While U.S. and Japanese equities saw gains, Hong Kong equities slipped amid profit-taking and geopolitical caution.

Forex Market Update: Dollar Gains Modestly

The U.S. dollar showed slight strength against major currencies, with the USD/JPY pair up 0.2% on growing expectations of interest rate differentials favouring the greenback. Other major currency pairs traded relatively flat or lower:

Currency Pair	Change (%)
EUR/USD	-0.1
GBP/USD	-0.1
USD/JPY	+0.2
AUD/USD	-0.2

The Australian dollar dipped amid concerns about soft commodity demand, while the euro and pound both edged down as traders look ahead to Thursday’s European Central Bank (ECB) rate decision and U.K. GDP figures.

Stock Market Overview: Wall Street and Asia Lead

Global stock indexes painted a mixed picture:

Index	Change (%)
Dow Jones (DJI)	+0.4
Nikkei 225	+0.8
Hang Seng (HK50)	-0.5
ASX 200 (AU200)	+0.1

U.S. equities continued their upward momentum, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.4%, led by industrials and healthcare stocks. Japan’s Nikkei surged 0.8%, reflecting upbeat sentiment following tariff-related export optimism and continued yen weakness.

Conversely, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped by 0.5%, with tech and property stocks under pressure amid China growth concerns.

Commodities Market: Oil Retreats, Gold Inches Up

Energy

Crude oil prices slipped slightly, with Brent and U.S. oil benchmarks both down 0.1%. The declines reflect concerns over global demand growth, partially offset by supply-side restrictions and U.S. trade policy.

Commodity	Change (%)
#C-BRENT	-0.1
OIL (WTI)	-0.1

Precious Metals

Gold prices ticked up 0.1%, as investors balanced risk-on appetite with hedging strategies amid ongoing global uncertainties. The modest increase in XAU/USD suggests continued demand for safe-haven assets, especially ahead of key inflation and employment data from the U.S.

Market Outlook: Key Themes to Watch

As midweek trading progresses, investors are closely monitoring:

• Thursday's ECB rate decision and implications for the euro
• U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls data due Friday, which could shape future Fed policy
• Sentiment around AI-driven innovation and automation, following recent headlines from Meta and Amazon
• Potential China response to U.S. tariff implementation

Volatility may remain elevated through the end of the week as traders digest economic indicators and central bank messaging.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making financial decisions.