• Global Sell-Off Deepens – Asian stocks ended the week lower as concerns over slowing economic growth, U.S. trade policies, and geopolitical tensions pushed investors to risk-off assets. China’s markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, and Taiwan’s indices led the declines, reflecting a broader pullback in sentiment.
  
  
• U.S. Tariffs Spark Market Jitters – President Trump’s new round of reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, has increased fears of prolonged trade disruptions. Economists worry that retaliatory measures from major economies could stoke inflation and weigh on global supply chains, dampening corporate earnings.
  
  
• Geopolitical Risks on the Rise – Reports of intensified Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and a powerful Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian military base have fueled safe-haven demand. The rising instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe adds another layer of risk for investors already grappling with economic uncertainty.
  
  
• Japan’s Nikkei Defies the Trend – While most Asian indices slumped, Japan’s Nikkei gained 0.3% as stronger-than-expected inflation data supported banking stocks. Markets now anticipate additional rate hikes by the Bank of Japan, a move that could shift the region’s monetary policy outlook.
  
  
• Safe-Haven Assets Shine – Gold remains close to its record high, benefiting from a flight to safety amid growing market volatility. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar is holding firm, with the dollar index steady at 103.84 as investors digest the Fed’s cautious stance on rate cuts.
  
  
• Oil Prices Surge – Crude oil markets are set for their strongest weekly gains since January, with Brent crude rising 0.5% and WTI up 0.6%. Persistent supply concerns and geopolitical risks continue to drive energy markets higher.

What’s Next?- Markets are navigating a complex landscape of global uncertainties and trade policy risks. The impact of new U.S. tariffs and escalating geopolitical tensions is weighing on investor sentiment, driving safe-haven assets like gold and oil higher. This reaction highlights the fragile balance between economic growth and policy-driven disruptions.