Gold Rises After Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs On European Imports
The gold () price rose sharply by 1.91% on Friday after global trade tensions escalated.
“Gold is heading for its best week in a month on raised U.S. fiscal debt concerns following a jump in U.S. long-end yields in response to Trump’s tax bill, which will swell an already elevated US debt pile”, Saxo Bank analysts noted.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the EU starting 1 June. This aggressive trade stance has intensified volatility in financial markets, with investors shifting capital into safe-haven assets such as gold. Trump’s warning to Apple Inc (NASDAQ:). added further uncertainty, stating that the company could face a 25% tariff on iPhones if manufacturing remains outside the U.S. As a result, bullion prices surged nearly 5% last week, reflecting heightened investor anxiety over the worsening trade environment and broader economic implications.
At the same time, the House of Representatives recently passed Trump’s new tax bill, which now heads to the Senate, with a vote anticipated by August. According to current projections, the legislation would expand the federal budget deficit by nearly $3 trillion over the next 10 years. Such a substantial rise in deficit spending raises concerns about the long-term stability of the U.S. economy, undermining confidence and contributing to further market volatility.
XAU/USD fell slightly during Asian and early European trading sessions. Today’s macroeconomic calendar is rather uneventful, but traders should monitor any developments around trade tariffs. Additionally, the European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will give a speech, which could add volatility to USD pairs. Key levels to watch for XAU/USD are support at $3,340 and resistance at $3,370.
Euro Rises After U.S. Delays Tariffs on EU Imports By 90 Days
The euro () gained 0.75% after U.S. President Donald Trump set a 9 July deadline for a trade deal with the EU.
“Markets have probably taken the view—and probably rightly so—that where we land eventually on a tariff situation between the U.S. and the EU is not going to be at 50%, but how we get there is frankly anybody’s guess at the moment”, said Ray Attrill, Head of FX Research at National Australia Bank.
U.S. President Donald Trump stepped back from his earlier threat to impose a 50% tariff on European Union imports, now setting a 9 July deadline to finalise a trade agreement. This move happened after a phone conversation between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested more time to negotiate a deal. Now, 9 July marks the expiration of the 90-day grace period tied to ’Liberation Day’ tariffs, offering temporary relief to global markets and signalling a potential for a possible diplomatic resolution.
This swift de-escalation, just two days after the initial tariff threat—highlights the unpredictable nature of U.S. trade policy under Trump. While the sudden changes may unsettle long-term planning, they also reassured investors that negotiations remain possible, tempering fears of a near-term global economic slowdown. Markets responded with cautious optimism, as the new deadline revived hopes for progress in trade talks and reduced immediate pressure on risk assets.
EUR/USD continued to rise during Asian and early European trading sessions. Today’s macroeconomic calendar is rather uneventful. Also, traders should note that several European Central Bank policymakers, including President Christine Lagarde, will give speeches later today. Their remarks, particularly regarding the current economic outlook and potential policy adjustments, might offer clues about the central bank’s upcoming decisions and affect EUR/USD.
Japanese Yen Continues to Decline Amid Uncertainty Over Trump’s Policies
Japanese yen () fell by 1% on Friday as investors continued to buy safe-haven currencies, fearing that rising tariffs could hurt the economy and the (USD).
Meanwhile, the Japanese yen (JPY) strengthened after data showed in April rose at its fastest annual pace in over two years. This unexpected surge in inflation has heightened market expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) may consider another interest rate hike by the end of the year. This scenario is gaining credibility as policymakers balance persistent food price inflation against broader risks from global trade tensions, particularly tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
At the same time, Japanese government bonds—particularly those in the super-long segment—reached record highs, though yields edged lower on Friday amid cautious sentiment. Meanwhile, investor focus continues to shift toward the U.S., with mounting concerns over fiscal sustainability. Moody’s recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating has drawn renewed scrutiny to the country’s ballooning $36 trillion debt burden. Due to Trump’s proposed tax bill, the deficit could worsen further—adding trillions over the coming decade. These developments fuel a broader reassessment of sovereign risk and interest rate trajectories in major economies.
USD/JPY remained relatively unchanged during Asian and early European trading sessions. Investors are closely monitoring the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy trajectory as inflationary pressures fuel speculation over further rate hikes. Key levels to watch are resistance at 143.100 and support at 142.000.