Financial Market Preview - Monday 31-Mar
US equity futures are lower after sharp declines on Friday. European markets opened broadly weaker, and Asian equities ended sharply lower. Markets remain unsettled ahead of Wednesday's reciprocal tariff announcement by President Trump, who indicated tariffs would apply universally to all countries, contradicting earlier suggestions of possible exemptions. Goldman Sachs revised its outlook to three Fed rate cuts in 2025, up from two previously. Inflation concerns are mounting following Friday's hotter-than-expected US core PCE inflation data, accompanied by elevated consumer inflation expectations in the Michigan survey. Meanwhile, there are signals the EU may consider concessions. Separately, the China government confirmed plans for a $69 billion capital injection into major state-owned banks to boost lending and stimulate the economy.Companies mentioned: xAI, Tesla, Blackstone, TikTok, Softbank, Nvidia, Foxconn