Market Recap: U.S. Stocks Climb, Dollar Strengthens, Gold Declines as Trade Tensions Ease


U.S. financial markets rallied as the White House signaled a more conciliatory tone on trade with China. President Donald Trump confirmed there are no plans to dismiss Fed Chair Jerome Powell and hinted at a potential rollback of tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described current tariff levels as "unsustainable," reinforcing hopes of de-escalation in U.S.–China trade tensions.


Key Market Highlights:


U.S. Stock Market:The Nasdaq surged 2.5%, S&P 500 gained 1.67%, and the Dow Jones rose 1.07%. Notably, 75% of S&P 500 companies reported better-than-expected Q1 earnings.Currency Market:The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) climbed 0.297% to 99.86. The USD advanced sharply against the Japanese Yen (+1.27%) and Swiss Franc (+1.32%), while the Euro weakened by 0.86%.Gold Prices:Gold fell 3% to $3,281.60 per ounce, retreating from a record high above $3,500, as improved risk sentiment and higher U.S. bond yields diminished its safe-haven appeal.Oil Prices:WTI crude dropped 2.04% amid global demand concerns, even as U.S.–Iran negotiations showed signs of progress.Strategic Insights:


The Dollar may retain strength if the White House maintains its dovish stance on trade and Fed policy.Gold's correction could present new entry opportunities for investors after a historic rally.Commodity-linked currencies such as CAD and NOK remain under pressure due to oil price volatility and global demand uncertainty.