Asian, Global Markets Rise on US-UK Trade Deal Optimism

Global stock markets experienced gains driven by optimism surrounding a potential trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, announced by President Donald Trump. The deal framework maintains a 10% tariff on U.S. imports from the UK but reduces UK tariffs significantly and exempts steel and aluminum from U.S. levies, fueling hopes for easing global trade tensions and potential negotiations with China. Investors are closely monitoring upcoming U.S.-China trade talks scheduled to take place soon, which could mark a turning point in the ongoing trade war. While Asian markets, especially Japan and South Korea, led the gains, European markets also opened higher, supported by the trade deal optimism and expectations surrounding central bank policies, including the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady amid inflation concerns. Despite this positive sentiment, economic data such as China's slightly weaker-than-expected growth and inflation indicators are being closely watched to gauge broader economic impacts. Overall, the market uplift reflects cautious optimism about resolving trade conflicts and stabilizing global economic conditions.