Markets Edge Higher as U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Take Effect – June 4, 2025

Global equity markets advanced on Wednesday, buoyed by the implementation of new U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, signaling fresh momentum in protectionist trade policies. The tariffs, designed to support domestic manufacturers, took effect overnight and triggered optimism among investors betting on stronger U.S. industrial sector performance.

Wall Street finished Tuesday in positive territory, with major indexes closing higher as traders digested macroeconomic developments and corporate headlines.

Market Movers: Amazon and Tesla Diverge

Amazon (AMZN):

Amazon shares slipped 0.45%, underperforming the broader market. Despite the dip, Bank of America raised its price target for the e-commerce giant from $230 to $248. The bank cited expected cost savings from expanded automation, including warehouse robotics and delivery drones, as key drivers of long-term efficiency.

Tesla (TSLA):

Tesla edged up 0.46%, lagging behind the broader indexes. The move followed reports that Cathie Wood's ARK Innovation ETF offloaded nearly 50,000 shares, worth an estimated $17 million, last week. This comes as Tesla gears up for a highly anticipated launch of its Robotaxi service on June 12, which could mark a new frontier in autonomous mobility.

Forex Market Overview

The U.S. dollar held steady as key currency pairs posted modest gains:

Currency Pair

Change (%)

EUR/USD

+0.1

GBP/USD

+0.1

USD/JPY

+0.1

AUD/USD

+0.2

Traders are closely monitoring central bank rate guidance and trade policy impacts on currency dynamics, particularly as the U.S. shifts toward greater economic nationalism.

Global Stock Market Summary

Equity indexes across major regions were mostly higher:

Index

Change (%)

Dow Jones (DJI)

+0.2

Nikkei (Japan)

+0.3

Hang Seng (HK50)

+0.6

ASX 200 (AU200)

+0.5

Positive momentum in Asia-Pacific markets reflects continued investor optimism around technology innovation, tariff policy impacts, and commodity demand.

Commodities Market Snapshot

Energy and Metals

Oil and industrial metals edged higher on growing sentiment around infrastructure demand and tariff-related pricing advantages for domestic producers.

Commodity

Change (%)

#C-COPPER

+0.2

Oil

+0.2

Copper’s rebound suggests renewed confidence in industrial activity globally, often used as a barometer for construction and manufacturing health.

Gold Market

Gold prices inched up modestly, with XAU/USD rising by 0.05%. Investors are balancing inflation hedge strategies with an appetite for riskier assets as equity markets trend higher.

Market Outlook

The start of June has brought increased market activity and renewed attention on U.S. trade and tech dynamics. While the newly imposed tariffs are being celebrated by some sectors, others warn of potential retaliation and supply chain disruptions in the months ahead.

Key themes to watch this week:

  • Corporate earnings revisions
  • U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls data (June 6)
  • Fed speakers and interest rate sentiment
  • Developments surrounding Tesla’s Robotaxi launch

As always, sector rotation remains a key consideration, especially as investors weigh growth opportunities in automation, clean energy, and AI-driven innovation.

Disclaimer:

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

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