Global investors began the week in a brighter mood after Washington unexpectedly suspended planned tariffs on a swath of consumer‑technology products, including smartphones, laptops and semiconductor‑making gear. The move helped propel U.S. equity futures and Asian shares higher on Monday, even as the White House warned that fresh levies on other electronic components could follow in the coming days.
Tech shares bounce
Apple suppliers Foxconn, LG Innotek and Lenovo all jumped between 7 % and 9 % in Hong Kong trading, while Apple itself rose in U.S. pre‑market deals. Analysts at Jefferies said the exemption reflected “intense lobbying by major U.S. firms” and a desire by policymakers to calm recent market volatility.
Chinese exports race ahead of deadlines
Customs data showed China’s March exports leapt 12.4 % y/y, pushing the trade surplus to $102.6 billion—far above economists’ forecasts. Economists attributed the spike to U.S. importers rushing orders before any new duties take effect.
Wall Street earnings in focus
Goldman Sachs headlines a heavy earnings calendar on Monday. Bank executives last week warned that the tariff back‑and‑forth could chill deal‑making, although Morgan Stanley said a U.S. recession still looked unlikely. Consensus puts Goldman’s Q1 revenue at $14.8 billion with EPS of $12.26.
Oil steadies after recent slide
Brent crude hovered near $64.50 a barrel, having shed roughly $10 since early April as traders weighed slower global growth against possible OPEC+ supply action. reuters.com
What’s next
President Trump said decisions on tariffs for phones and semiconductors could arrive “soon,” leaving markets sensitive to headline risk. Traders will also watch China’s Q1 GDP and U.S. retail‑sales figures later this week for fresh clues on demand.
