Equity futures post modest recovery following an overnight sell-off as Trump-era global tariffs are implemented. Market participants are recalibrating trade policy risk and supply chain impact.

🧠 Institutional Insight

🐋 Whales
Institutions covering short-term hedges; re-evaluating sector-specific exposure for long-term positioning.
🎯 Impact
Equities: Increased sector dispersion, elevated volatility, particularly in industrials and tech. FX: USD strength vs. trade-exposed currencies. Fixed Income: Potential UST flight-to-safety bid on growth concerns.
⏳ Context
This development reinforces the prevailing global trade protectionism narrative, exacerbating supply chain concerns and potential stagflationary impulses.

⚖️ Market Scenarios

⚡ AI Market Deja Vu
Past Event: 2018 US-China Tariff Escalation
Reaction: Equities experienced heightened volatility and sell-offs, particularly in trade-sensitive sectors. USD strengthened as a safe haven, while industrial commodities declined on demand concerns.
🟢 Bulls Say
Tariff impact largely priced in; strong domestic demand will mitigate export weakness; select sectors may benefit from import substitution and onshoring.
🔴 Bears Say
Tariffs risk escalation into a broader trade war, compressing corporate margins, disrupting global supply chains, and significantly dampening global economic growth.