UBS Profit Rises Amid Trump Tariffs, Asia Gains

UBS reported a first-quarter 2025 net profit of $1.7 billion, beating analyst expectations despite a slight year-on-year decline. The bank’s markets and investment banking divisions recorded a 32% surge in trading revenues and a 30% rise in investment banking profit, driven by market volatility linked to U.S. tariff moves under President Donald Trump. UBS’s wealth management unit in Asia delivered a 36% profit increase and strong asset inflows. The bank warned of mounting risks to global growth and inflation from ongoing tariffs, and expects net interest income to fall sequentially in the next quarter. UBS continues its share buyback and faces the possibility of stricter Swiss regulations following the 2023 Credit Suisse crisis. Meanwhile, President Trump renewed criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell while defending his tariff policy.