As US markets closed on Wednesday, the global economic landscape was marked by divergent trends. US major indices showed resilience despite ongoing policy shifts. The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.51% closing at 17 539.22, with the S&P 500 at 5 654.63, increasing by 0.38%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 42 124.05 (0.32%). Investor sentiment remained guarded as the Trump administration prepared to implement immediate tariffs effective from 16h00 ET after the highly-anticipated tariff announcement.

European markets concluded on a downward trend with the Stoxx 50 index slipping by 0.43% to close at 5 298, while the Stoxx 600 declined by 0.50% closing at 536.92, erasing the gains made in the previous trading session. Most sectors experienced losses, with healthcare stocks being the hardest hit, dropping nearly 2%. This decline was largely driven by slowing momentum that the sector might be exempt from the tariffs. The FTSE 100 concluded at 8 658.85, down 0.08%, echoing the downturn observed in the Eurozone.

In Asia, markets were also impacted with investors being risk-averse, seeking safe-haven assets amid the trade tensions. The Hang Seng declined by 0.01%, trading at 23 205.15. However, the Nikkei increased by 0.28% closing at 35 725.87, while the Shanghai closed at 3 349.89 with a 0.04% increase.  Economic outlook is clouded by trade policy uncertainty, with China and other Asian countries likely to feel immediate pressure from the US tariffs. 

South African markets encountered challenges stemming from both domestic and international factors. The rand experienced a decline, trading at R18.84 against the US dollar, marking a 1.95% weakening by 19h30 SAST. Additionally, it depreciated against the euro to trade at R20.45 and against the British pound at R24.45. This downturn was partly attributed to raised concerns about the stability of the coalition government.

Commodity markets saw Brent crude oil futures fluctuate around $74.96 per barrel, while gold was at $3 128.46 an ounce. The ongoing trade disputes have heightened investor interest in commodities as a hedge against economic volatility.