Stocks fluctuate as traders await next moves in Trump trade war

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell on May 23, 2025, in New York City. [AFP]

Equities were mixed Tuesday as investors awaited the latest developments in Donald Trump's trade war, while the yen rallied after the head of Japan's central bank flagged more interest rate hikes if the economy improved.

With Wall Street closed for a holiday, there were few major catalysts to drive business, though investors remain on their toes after the US president's threat of 50 per cent tariffs on European Union goods and subsequent delay reviving volatility.

But analysts said the uncertainty caused by Trump's capricious policy announcements, along with his plans to extend tax cuts, was hurting confidence in the US economy and pushing Treasury yields higher.

"Markets are once again dancing on hot coals, front-running White House mood swings while dodging macro landmines," said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

"With yields dangling like anvils and tariff threats swinging like wrecking balls, the only thing certain is that the music won't stop -- until it does. Traders, keep your running shoes on."

Europe bounced on the news of the tariff delay, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's pledge to move swiftly on a trade deal with the White House.

But Asia swung between gains and losses.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore and Wellington all rose with London as it reopened after a long weekend, while Frankfurt extended its gains.

Shanghai, Seoul, Manila, Mumbai, Jakarta, Bangkok and Taipei were slightly lower. Paris dropped.

The yen rose against the dollar after BoJ boss Kazuo Ueda said he intended to keep raising borrowing costs if the economy performs as expected.

He told a conference in Tokyo that "we will adjust the degree of monetary easing as needed".

His remarks came after officials earlier this month cut their economic growth forecasts in light of Trump's tariffs blitz.

"In light of growing uncertainties, particularly those related to trade policy, we have recently revised down our economic and inflation outlook," Ueda said, but added that he still expected price rises to temper and fall back to the bank's two percent target.

The yen strengthened to 142.12 per dollar at one point, with analysts saying the greenback is facing increasing pressure because of worries over US policy.

And while the dollar edged back against most other units it remains under pressure.

"In a way, all roads have led to a weaker dollar. Higher perceived US deficits have raised concerns about increased future Treasury issuance, pushing up term premium and seeing people migrate away from the dollar," said Pepperstone's Chris Weston.

"Concerns of weaker US growth in the second half of 2025 see dollar sellers. Tariff risk resurfaces, the dollar trades lower and when the tariff risk and the implementation date are subsequently pushed back, again we see the dollar lower."

Traders are also awaiting the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's May policy meeting, hoping for an idea about its plans in light of the trade war, while the central bank's preferred inflation gauge is due at the end of the week.