Markets rebounded despite escalating US-China trade tensions, with Asian markets rallying and European exchanges opening higher after days of losses. China vowed to "fight to the end" against Trump's tariffs, describing US actions as "economic bullying" while the EU pleaded with Beijing not to escalate.
By midday, Chancellor Reeves stated "nothing off the table" in US trade talks as she sought to limit damage from potential tariffs on British industries. Trump's treasury secretary called the China tariff escalation a "big mistake," revealing internal MAGA divisions further exposed when Elon Musk publicly attacked Trump's trade adviser as "dumber than a sack of bricks."
By evening, the White House confirmed implementation of 104% tariffs on Chinese goods as Trump praised the "explosive" duties, despite waning hopes for tariff delays causing Wall Street to slump again. International tensions increased with reports claiming Chinese soldiers had been captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine.