Tariffs, Trump and tech: markets roiled by global shifts - Jul 16, 2025

As of July 16, today’s news is dominated by geopolitical uncertainties affecting various sectors, particularly in technology and energy. ASML, the leading supplier of chip-making equipment, announced that it may not achieve its growth targets for 2026 due to ongoing tariff uncertainties impacting U.S. chipmakers. Shares in ASML dropped by 7.8%, causing a ripple effect among competitors like ASM and Soitec, as executives expressed the need for clarity in tariff implications before proceeding with significant investments. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is likely to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell soon, Bloomberg reported, citing an unidentified White House official. Trump has repeatedly criticized Federal Reserve monetary policy in recent months, angry over the central bank's refusal to cut interest rates. In market developments, copper prices fell as concerns over supply disruptions eased, with inventories rising. Reports indicate that protesters in Peru have lifted blockades that hampered copper transport. Antofagasta reported an 11% increase in copper production for the first half of 2025, maintaining its full-year output guidance. On the energy front, France’s EDF is considering stake sales in its North American and Brazilian renewables businesses to raise capital, while Microsoft collaborates with a U.S. national lab to employ AI in expediting nuclear power plant permitting processes, a move aligned with President Trump’s executive efforts to streamline nuclear project approvals. In broader scenarios, the International Air Transport Association criticized the EU's sustainable aviation fuel mandate for driving up costs without environmental benefits, as supply remains insufficient. Additionally, China's electricity emissions have reached a record low, illustrating the nation’s significant strides in clean energy. Finally, Ukraine faced an extensive drone and missile attack from Russia, aiming at energy infrastructure, with subsequent calls from Trump for increased military support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes in Damascus targeting forces threatening the Druze community.