The Nasdaq surged 12%, marking its second-largest gain in history, while the EU imposed a 25% tariff on the US | Global Markets

Overnight Stock Market

The three major US stock indices closed sharply higher, with the Nasdaq up 12.16%, marking its largest single-day percentage gain since January 3, 2001, and the second-largest record gain; the S&P 500 rose 9.52%, recording its largest single-day percentage gain since October 2008; the Dow Jones increased by 7.87%.

During the US stock market session, US President Trump stated that he had authorized a 90-day tariff suspension for countries that do not take retaliatory actions.

Major tech stocks surged significantly, with Tesla up over 22%, Nvidia up over 18%, and Apple up over 15%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 19%, setting a record for its single-day gain.

The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index closed up 4.53%. The FTSE China A50 futures index rose 1.16% in the night session. The offshore yuan against the US dollar regained the 7.35 level overnight.

Commodity Market

International oil prices rose. The price of light crude oil futures for May delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange increased by $2.77, closing at $62.35 per barrel, a rise of 4.65%; the price of Brent crude oil futures for June delivery on the London ICE Futures Europe exchange increased by $2.66, closing at $65.48 per barrel, a rise of 4.23%.

Market News

[EU Approves First Round of Tariff Countermeasures Against the US, Imposing Up to 25% Tariffs on a Range of US Products]

EU member states voted on the 9th to approve the first round of tariff countermeasures against the US, imposing up to 25% tariffs on a range of US products. This round of countermeasures primarily targets US steel and aluminum tariffs. The EU's countermeasures will be implemented in phases, with the first round taking effect on April 15. It is understood that the first round of countermeasures involves goods worth approximately 21 billion euros.

[Trump Says He Will Not Allow Iran to Possess Nuclear Weapons]

On April 9, US President Trump, while signing an executive order at the White House, told reporters that he hopes Iran can become strong but will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. According to reports, Trump stated that if necessary, the US will take military action, with Israel deeply involved and taking a leadership role, but "no one can lead the US."

[Iranian President: Will Engage in Indirect Negotiations with the US with Dignity and Necessary Guarantees]

Iranian President Pezeshkian, while attending the National Nuclear Technology Day event, stated that Iran will engage in indirect negotiations with the US with dignity and necessary guarantees.

[Panama Says It Will Not Accept US Military or Defense Bases in Panama]

Panama's Ministry of Security and the US Department of Defense signed a memorandum of understanding on April 9. During a joint press conference, Panama's Minister of Public Security, Avrego, emphasized that Panama's President Mulino has stated that Panama will not accept the establishment of military and defense bases in Panama, but Panama is willing to continue cooperation with the US in other security areas.

[Fed Meeting Minutes: Inflation Slightly High, Uncertainty in Economic Outlook Increases]

The Fed meeting minutes show that inflation remains slightly high. Participants noted that uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook has increased, and when considering the extent and timing of further adjustments to the federal funds rate target range, the Committee will carefully assess subsequent data, evolving prospects, and the balance of risks. The Committee is committed to supporting full employment and returning inflation to the 2% target. In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the impact of future information on the economic outlook. If risks emerge that could hinder the Committee's goals, they will be prepared to adjust the monetary policy stance as appropriate. The Committee's assessment will consider multiple factors, including labor market conditions, inflation pressures and expectations, and financial and international developments.

[Houthi Forces Claim to Use Drones to Strike US Aircraft Carrier and Other US-Israeli Military Targets]

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the Houthi forces used drones to attack a military target in the Tel Aviv area of Israel. The Houthi forces also used multiple drones to attack several US warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

[UK Announces: Carrier Strike Group to Depart for NATO Exercises]

The UK Navy's flagship, the HMS Prince of Wales, will set sail from Portsmouth on April 22, 2025, leading a carrier strike group consisting of warships, supply ships, submarines, and aircraft to the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions. The strike group will first assemble off the coast of Cornwall, UK, before heading to the Mediterranean to participate in NATO exercises. In the initial phase of the exercises, the strike group will be under NATO command.

[German Union Party and SPD Announce Coalition Agreement]

The German Union Party, composed of the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) announced a coalition agreement at a press conference on the 9th. According to the agreement, the coalition aims to reduce the burden on German citizens and businesses through tax cuts; the coalition unanimously agreed to tighten refugee policies; the coalition agreed to establish a National Security Council in the Federal Chancellery to coordinate comprehensive security policy issues and conduct joint assessments of the situation. Additionally, the agreement stipulates the distribution of ministries among the coalition parties: the Christian Democratic Union will control six ministries, including the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, as well as the Chancellery; the SPD will control seven ministries, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense; the Christian Social Union will control three ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior.

[Macron: France May Recognize Palestine in June]

French President Macron stated on the 9th that France may recognize Palestine in June. Macron, in an interview broadcast on France 5 on the 9th, stated that France and Saudi Arabia plan to jointly host a conference on the Palestinian issue in New York, US, in June, and France may recognize Palestine at that time. He believes that recognizing Palestine at an appropriate time "is justified." Macron emphasized the importance of a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while calling on some countries that support Palestine to also recognize Israel.

[Foxconn Plans to Launch Multiple EV Models in Japan]

Foxconn Precision Industry Company stated that it will launch multiple car models in Japan by 2027 at the latest. Foxconn will collaborate with Japanese automakers to begin selling models developed based on Foxconn's compact car "Model B" in the Oceania region around 2026.