Global Markets Slip Amid Tariff Uncertainty and Oil Surge

Global stock indices opened lower today, as fresh trade tensions rattled investors. U.S. President Trump’s latest round of tariff threat letters—set to arrive ahead of the July 9 deadline—has fueled uncertainty about potential 10–17% duties on key trading partners. European markets eased, and Asian bourses such as the Nikkei and CSI 300 each lost around 0.4% in early trading. In parallel, OPEC+ surprised markets by raising crude oil production by 548 kbpd in August, leading Brent crude to dip to approximately $68 per barrel. With tariffs clouding global trade and energy markets showing volatility, investors are cautiously pivoting to Treasuries and the dollar.