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The United States added dozens of entities to a trade blacklist Tuesday, its Commerce Department said, in part to disrupt Beijing’s artificial intelligence and advanced computing capabilities.The action affects 80 entities from countries including China, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, with the department citing their “activities contrary to US national security and foreign policy.”Those added to the “entity list” are restricted from obtaining US items and technologies without government authorization.”We will not allow adversaries to exploit American technology to bolster their own militaries and threaten American lives,” said US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.The entities targeted include 11 based in China and one in Taiwan, accused of engaging in the development of advanced AI, supercomputers and high-performance AI chips for China-based users “with close ties to the country’s military-industrial complex.”They include the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and subsidiaries of IT giant Inspur Group.Others were included for “contributions to unsafeguarded nuclear activities” or ballistic missile programs.The aim is to prevent US technologies and goods from being misused for activities like high performance computing, hypersonic missiles and military aircraft training, said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler.Two entities in Iran and China were also added to the list for seeking to procure US items for Iran’s defense industry and drone programs, the Commerce Department said.Beijing condemned the blacklisting of its firms, accusing Washington of “weaponizing” trade and technology in a “typical act of hegemonism”.”We urge the US side to stop generalizing the concept of national security… and stop abusing all kinds of sanctions lists to unreasonably suppress Chinese enterprises,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a daily news conference.China would take “necessary measures” to defend its firms’ rights, Guo added.Several of the blacklisted companies did not respond to AFP’s request for comment on Wednesday.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called Wednesday for a trade deal between South America’s Mercosur bloc and Japan to counter growing US protectionism.”I am certain that we need to move forward in signing an Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and Mercosur,” Lula said during a multi-day visit to Tokyo.”Our countries have more to gain from integration than from protectionist practices,” he said at an economic forum attended by business and political figures from Brazil and Japan.Mercosur’s four members — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — in December struck a free-trade deal with the European Union although it still faces hurdles before final approval.Business groups in Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, have been pressing the government to also strike an agreement with the bloc.The Keidanren business federation “urgently” called in November for “expedited efforts” towards a Japan-Mercosur Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), an accord similar to a free trade deal.”The benefits that a Japan-Mercosur EPA would bring to both parties are immense,” the group said, noting the South American bloc’s population of 300 million people and economic output approaching $3 trillion.But an agreement may be politically hard because of fears about the impact on Japanese farmers of large-scale agricultural imports, particularly from Brazil and Argentina.Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Wednesday that he and Lula will “strongly push towards more smooth bilateral trade and investment”.”Business circles of both countries have pushed for early agreement on a Japan-Mercosur EPA. While listening to these voices, we will continue talks towards strengthening bilateral and economic ties,” he said.Lula, 79, arrived in Japan on Monday accompanied by a 100-strong business delegation.He and Ishiba were expected to restate their commitment to free trade — in light of US President Donald Trump’s levies on steel and other imports — in a joint statement expected later Wednesday.”We cannot go back to relying on protectionism. We do not want a second Cold War,” Lula said Wednesday.”We want free trade so that we can ensure that democracy, economic growth and wealth distribution become established in our countries,” he added.Lula and Ishiba, 68, were also expected to discuss the joint development of biofuels ahead of November’s COP30 UN climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon.

Lingering hopes that Donald Trump’s planned tariff blitz next week will not be as painful as feared helped lift Asian markets Wednesday, though uncertainty about the president’s policies and the US economy tempered optimism.With the White House’s “Liberation Day” on April 2 approaching, investors have been bracing for a wave of sweeping levies on imports amid warnings of crippled global trade, recession and a fresh spike in inflation.But suggestions from Trump and others in Washington that the measures could be more targeted, with some countries hit harder than others, have provided a sliver of hope that the worst-case scenario can be avoided.The president told Newsmax that “I don’t want to have too many exceptions” but added: “I’ll probably be more lenient than reciprocal, because if I was reciprocal, that would be very tough for people”.Signs of a less severe approach helped Wall Street record two successive days of gains, paring hefty losses suffered in recent weeks fuelled by fears that the hardball US policies would hit companies’ bottom lines.And after a mixed day Monday, Asia followed suit. Hong Kong pushed higher a day after tanking more than two percent on profit-taking and selling in the tech sector, while Tokyo, Sydney, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore and Wellington also advanced.Jakarta jumped almost three percent after a hefty sell-off this year fuelled by worries over the Indonesian economy. However, the country’s rupiah remained stuck around its lowest levels since the Asian financial crisis at the end of the last century.Taipei and Manila edged down.But while there is some hope over tariffs, Americans’ fears about the economic outlook indicated the United States could be in for a bumpy ride.The Conference Board’s closely watched gauge of consumer confidence dived to its lowest level since 2021 — during the pandemic — as concerns grow over higher prices.Meanwhile, another reading on expectations for the next six months hit a 12-year low.The figures come as the Federal Reserve re-evaluates its monetary policy in light of Trump’s tariffs agenda, with some analysts warning it might have to hold off any interest rate cuts this year.At the end of a volatile first quarter, Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo, said it had “challenged conventional thinking”.”While rate cut hopes dominated headlines early in the year, markets moved on quickly as economic resilience, sector rotation, geopolitical shifts, and regional divergences took centre stage,” she wrote in a commentary.”Trade policy returned to focus as the US election narrative picked up. Even without concrete tariffs, the potential for disruption hit sentiment across global sectors.”There was little major reaction to news that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea and on energy sites following talks brokered by Washington.The Kremlin said the deal could come into force only after the lifting of restrictions on its agriculture sector.- Key figures around 0230 GMT -Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.3 percent at 37,890.15 (break)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.2 percent at 23,391.53Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,371.91Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0794 from $1.0791 on TuesdayPound/dollar: UP at $1.2944 from $1.2943Dollar/yen: UP at 150.14 yen from 149.90 yenEuro/pound: UP at 83.40 pence from 83.37 penceWest Texas Intermediate: UP 0.4 percent at $69.25 per barrelBrent North Sea Crude: UP 0.3 percent at $73.24 per barrelNew York – Dow: FLAT at 42,587.50 (close)London – FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 8,663.80 (close)

A US federal judge on Tuesday set a trial date of June 23 in the Justice Department’s criminal case against aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing over two deadly 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019.In two court filings in Texas, Judge Reed O’Connor said he was vacating an April 11 deadline for Boeing and prosecutors to announce progress on a plea deal, and moving ahead with the trial over the two crashes, in which 346 people died.In a statement, Boeing said it was still engaged in “good faith discussions” with the Justice Department regarding an “appropriate” resolution of the matter.The Justice Department declined to comment on the case.”I am so happy that Judge O’Connor of Texas… has put an end to the delaying tactics of Boeing and the Department of Justice,” said Catherine Berthet, whose daughter Camille died in one of the crashes. “Finally (there is) going to be a trial,” Berthet told AFP. Boeing agreed last July to plead guilty to fraud after the Justice Department found the company failed to improve its compliance and ethics program, in breach of a deferred prosecution agreement following the two deadly MAX crashes.That deal was concluded in January 2021 to address the disasters in Ethiopia and Indonesia.But in December, a judge in Texas rejected the 2024 settlement over apparent flaws in the selection process for a monitor to ensure Boeing’s compliance, sending the company and the government back to continue discussions.”For years we have been fighting, and I am fighting, on behalf of the victims and my daughter Camille, for truth and justice,” said Berthet.”A trial is necessary to bring this truth to light.”It was not immediately clear why O’Connor decided to cancel the April 11 deadline for the plea deal and move directly to trial.

Global equities eked out some gains Tuesday with Wall Street largely advancing while European stocks made modest progress as concerns eased over upcoming tariffs from US President Donald Trump.The Dow closed little-changed while the broad-based S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq ended the day slightly higher following a rally fueled by technology stocks the previous day.Europe enjoyed greater momentum with Paris, Frankfurt and Milan adding just north of one percent at the close while London sputtered to end with a 0.3 percent advance.”Sentiment continues to wane among investors, consumers and businesses as economic concerns and economic policy uncertainty takes its toll,” said eToro US investment analyst Bret Kenwell.Kenwell added that “until there’s more certainty on the tariff and macro front, sentiment and confidence remain vulnerable.”The market was initially buoyed by indications from the White House that a glut of levies due next week would be less severe than feared.Trump has dubbed April 2 “Liberation Day” as he pledges to impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners in an effort to remedy practices that Washington deems unfair.”Tariff fears subsided a touch after President Trump suggested that the reciprocal tariffs promised next week may be smaller in scope than many had feared,” said David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation.”But without specific guidance over what will, and what won’t, be included, investors remain on edge,” Morrison added.Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG trading group, said markets expect that the next phase of tariffs “will be more organized and structured than previous actions.”Whatever numbers are announced “are likely to be negotiated down from there,” Sycamore said.For now, in the United States, consumer confidence slipped for a fourth straight month in March, reaching the lowest level since the midst of the pandemic in 2021.The US consumer confidence index dropped 7.2 points to 92.9, The Conference Board said, noting that survey respondents flagged growing concerns about the economic impact of Trump’s trade and tariff plans.Positivity on European markets came on the back of data revealing that German business confidence rose in March, as a massive government spending plan promised to get Europe’s largest economy rolling once again.Asian markets closed mixed as traders focused on more domestic matters, while the dollar dropped awaiting US inflation data this week that could firm expectations of fresh cuts to interest rates this year in the world’s biggest economy.Hong Kong sank 2.4 percent, weighed by a drop of around six percent in Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, which raised $5.5 billion in a mega share sale as it looked to expand its electric vehicle business.The deal, which comes after a similar move this month by EV firm BYD, stoked worries about market liquidity.Among individual stocks, shares in British energy giant Shell added just over one percent after announcing plans to slash costs by billions of dollars and increase shareholder returns.Tesla shares dipped more than two percent but pulled back into the green as industry data showed its sales in Europe sank almost by half in the first two months of the year amid anger over Elon Musk’s political positions.- Key figures around 2030 GMT -New York – Dow: FLAT at 42,587.50 points (close)New York – S&P 500: UP 0.2 percent at 5,776.65 (close)New York – Nasdaq: UP 0.5 percent at 18,271.86 (close)London – FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 8,663.80 (close)Paris – CAC 40: UP 1.1 percent at 8,108.59 (close)Frankfurt – DAX: UP 1.1 at 23,109.79 (close)Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 37,780.54 (close)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.4 percent at 23,344.25 (close)Shanghai – Composite: FLAT at 3,369.98 (close)Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0791 from $1.0805 on MondayPound/dollar: UP at $1.2943 from $1.2924Dollar/yen: DOWN at 149.90 yen from 150.58 yenEuro/pound: DOWN at 83.37 pence from 83.58 penceBrent North Sea Crude: FLAT at $73.02 per barrelWest Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.2 percent at $69.00 per barreldan-bcp-cw-bys/sst

Global equities meandered Tuesday as Wall Street struggled to hold early gains while European stocks made modest gains as concerns eased over the next round of tariffs from US President Donald Trump.The Dow was barely off, while the broad-based S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq sported meagre gains some two hours into trading following a rally fuelled by technology stocks the previous day.Europe enjoyed greater momentum with Paris, Frankfurt and Milan adding just north of one percent at the close while London sputtered to end with a 0.3 percent advance.”Sentiment continues to wane among investors, consumers and businesses as economic concerns and economic policy uncertainty takes its toll. Until there’s more certainty on the tariff and macro front, sentiment and confidence remain vulnerable,” said eToro US investment analyst Bret Kenwell.Sentiment was initially buoyed by indications from the White House that a glut of levies due next week would be less severe than feared.Trump has dubbed April 2 “Liberation Day” as he pledges to impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners in an effort to remedy practices that Washington deems unfair.”Tariff fears subsided a touch after President Trump suggested that the reciprocal tariffs promised next week may be smaller in scope than many had feared,” said David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation.”But without specific guidance over what will, and what won’t, be included, investors remain on edge,” Morrison added.Positivity on European markets came on the back of data revealing that German business confidence rose in March, as a massive government spending plan promised to get Europe’s largest economy rolling once again.Asian markets closed mixed as traders focused on more domestic matters, while the dollar dropped awaiting US inflation data this week that could firm expectations of fresh cuts to interest rates later this year in the world’s biggest economy.Hong Kong sank 2.4 percent, weighed by a drop of around six percent in Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, which raised $5.5 billion in a mega share sale as it looked to expand its electric vehicle business.The deal, which comes after a similar move this month by EV firm BYD, stoked worries about market liquidity.Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG trading group, said markets expect that the next phase of tariffs “will be more organised and structured than previous actions”. “Whatever numbers are announced… are likely to be negotiated down from there,” Sycamore said.Trump did provide a jolt by warning countries that bought crude and gas from Venezuela would face steep tariffs, a move that could hit China and India among others.Beijing on Tuesday accused Washington of “interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs”, initially giving oil prices a fillip before a small dip. Among individual stocks, shares in British energy giant Shell added just over one percent after announcing plans to slash costs by billions of dollars and increase shareholder returns.Tesla shares dipped more than two percent but pulled back into the green as industry data showed its sales in Europe sank almost by half in the first two months of the year amid anger over Elon Musk’s political positions.- Key figures around 1645 GMT -New York – Dow: DOWN 0.1 percent at 42,562.65 points New York – S&P 500: UP 0.1 percent at 5,770.58New York – Nasdaq: UP 0.2 percent at 18,228.04London – FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 8,663.80 (close)Paris – CAC 40: UP 1.0 percent at 8,100.26 (close)Frankfurt – DAX: UP 1.1 at 23,099.24 (close)Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 37,780.54 (close)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.4 percent at 23,344.25 (close)Shanghai – Composite: FLAT at 3,369.98 (close)Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0813 from $1.0805 on MondayPound/dollar: UP at $1.2956 from $1.2924Dollar/yen: DOWN at 149.73 yen from 150.58 yenEuro/pound: DOWN at 83.46 pence from 83.58 penceBrent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.69 per barrelWest Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.6 percent at $68.73 per barrel

Wall Street clung to strong gains and European stocks rose on Tuesday over easing concerns about the next round of tariffs from US President Donald Trump.The Dow, the broad-based S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq were all up around 0.1 percent in early deals, following a rally fuelled by technology stocks the previous day.Sentiment was buoyed by indications from the White House that a glut of levies due next week would be less severe than feared.Trump has dubbed April 2 “Liberation Day” as he pledges to impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners in an effort to remedy practices that Washington deems unfair.”Tariff fears subsided a touch after President Trump suggested that the reciprocal tariffs promised next week may be smaller in scope than many had feared,” said David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation.”But without specific guidance over what will, and what won’t, be included, investors remain on edge,” Morrison added.In Europe, Paris gained 1.1 percent in afternoon deals while Frankfurt won 0.9 percent and London advanced 0.8 percent.The positivity also followed data revealing that German business confidence rose in March, as a massive government spending plan promised to get Europe’s largest economy rolling once again.Asian markets closed mixed as traders focused on more domestic matters, while the dollar dropped awaiting US inflation data this week that could firm expectations of fresh cuts to interest rates later this year in the world’s biggest economy.Hong Kong sank 2.4 percent, weighed by a drop of around six percent in Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, which raised $5.5 billion in a mega share sale as it looked to expand its electric vehicle business.The deal, which comes after a similar move this month by EV firm BYD, stoked worries about market liquidity.Traders were also cashing in recent profits — particularly among high-flying tech firms — following an impressive surge in the Hang Seng Index that has seen it pile on around 20 percent since the start of the year.Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG trading group, said markets expect that the next phase of tariffs “will be more organised and structured than previous actions”. “Whatever numbers are announced… are likely to be negotiated down from there,” Sycamore said.Still, the president did provide a jolt by warning countries that bought crude and gas from Venezuela would face steep tariffs, a move that could hit China and India among others.Beijing on Tuesday accused Washington of “interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs”, helping to support oil prices. Among individual stocks, shares in British energy giant Shell rose 2.3 percent after it announced plans to slash costs by billions of dollars and increase shareholder returns.Tesla shares fell more than two percent as industry data showed its sales in Europe sank almost by half in the first two months of the year amid anger over Elon Musk’s political positions.- Key figures around 1335 GMT -New York – Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 42,625.37 points New York – S&P 500: UP 0.1 percent at 5,772.57New York – Nasdaq: UP 0.1 percent at 18,204.61London – FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 8,707.99Paris – CAC 40: UP 1.1 percent at 8,112.09Frankfurt – DAX: UP 0.9 at 23,061.80 Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 37,780.54 (close)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.4 percent at 23,344.25 (close)Shanghai – Composite: FLAT at 3,369.98 (close)Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0823 from $1.0805 on MondayPound/dollar: UP at $1.2958 from $1.2924Dollar/yen: DOWN at 149.74 yen from 150.58 yenEuro/pound: DOWN at 83.53 pence from 83.58 penceBrent North Sea Crude: UP 0.7 percent at $73.51 per barrelWest Texas Intermediate: UP 0.7 percent at $69.62 per barrel

Europe’s main stock markets rose solidly Tuesday after a rally on Wall Street thanks to easing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.Paris led the way with a gain of 1.1 percent approaching midday, while Frankfurt won 0.9 percent and London advanced 0.6 percent.”There is nothing better than a solid day on Wall Street to lift investor sentiment across the pond,” noted Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.The positivity came also after data revealed that German business confidence rose in March, as a massive government spending plan promised to get Europe’s largest economy rolling once again.Asian markets closed mixed as traders focused on more domestic matters, while the dollar dropped waiting US inflation data this week that could firm expectations of fresh cuts to interest rates later this year in the world’s biggest economy.Hong Kong sank 2.4 percent, weighed by a drop of around six percent in Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, which raised $5.5 billion in a mega share sale as it looked to expand its electric vehicle business.The deal, which comes after a similar move this month by EV firm BYD, stoked worries about market liquidity.Traders were also cashing in recent profits — particularly among high-flying tech firms — following an impressive surge in the Hang Seng Index that has seen it pile on around 20 percent since the start of the year.A surge in tech giants, including Tesla and Nvidia, helped New York markets to a strong finish Monday, with sentiment buoyed by indications from the White House that next week’s glut of levies would be less severe than feared.Trump has dubbed April 2 “Liberation Day” as he pledges to impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners in an effort to remedy practices that Washington deems unfair.”The expectation is that the process will be more organised and structured than previous actions,” said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG trading group. “Whatever numbers are announced… are likely to be negotiated down from there.”Still, the president did provide a jolt by warning countries that crude bought and gas from Venezuela would face steep tariffs, a move that could hit China and India among others.Beijing on Tuesday accused Washington of “interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs”, helping to support oil prices. – Key figures around 1045 GMT -London – FTSE 100: UP 0.6 percent at 8,691.66 pointsParis – CAC 40: UP 1.1 percent at 8,113.28Frankfurt – DAX: UP 0.9 at 23,060.63 Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 37,780.54 (close)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.4 percent at 23,344.25 (close)Shanghai – Composite: FLAT at 3,369.98 (close)New York – Dow: UP 1.4 percent at 42,583.32 points (close)Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0820 from $1.0805 on MondayPound/dollar: UP at $1.2947 from $1.2924Dollar/yen: DOWN at 150.21 yen from 150.58 yenEuro/pound: DOWN at 83.56 pence from 83.58 penceBrent North Sea Crude: UP 0.6 percent at $72.78 per barrelWest Texas Intermediate: UP 0.6 percent at $69.52 per barrel

Australia’s left-leaning government will cut income tax, slash student debt and hasten defence spending under an annual budget released Tuesday, courting voters as it readies to fight a tight general election.The Labor government — due to announce the election date by the end of the week — booked a spending deficit of US$17 billion as it unveiled a swag of surprise tax cuts and pre-poll sweeteners.It pledged to overhaul the country’s creaking military, and set aside almost US$2 billion to catalyse a homegrown “green” metals industry.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Australia would fortify its economy against damaging US tariffs and a “volatile” global economy.”Our best defence against global pressures is a stronger economy,” he said. “It’s clear that the rules that underpinned global economic engagement for more than 40 years are being rewritten. “This budget is our plan for a new generation of prosperity in a new world of uncertainty.” Big ticket budget items included wiping 20 percent off all university student loans, which typically run into tens of thousands of dollars. More than US$1 billion was earmarked for public hospitals, and a series of modest tax cuts have been planned for some of the country’s lowest earners.The government also announced a two-year freeze on excise taxes for draught beer — a measure sure to be popular in one of the world’s heaviest drinking nations.Another budget centrepiece was US$1.9 billion to seed the growth of Australia’s “green” metals industry. Steel and aluminium production typically relies on polluting coal-fired power but Australia and other countries are seeking to power these factories with renewable electricity, lowering emissions in the process.This would help Australia become “an indispensable part of the net zero economy”, Chalmers said.With US tariffs and retaliatory measures starting to bite around the globe, Chalmers announced a new “Buy Australian” marketing campaign targeting domestic consumers. Australia also used the budget to bring forward around US$600 million in defence spending. “It means defence funding will grow beyond 2.3 percent of GDP by the early 2030s,” Chalmers said. Washington has been piling pressure on close allies such as Canberra to pour more money into training, weapons and other military hardware. Australia is already in the middle of an ambitious programme to re-tool its defence force, stocking up on long-range strike weapons as China flexes its naval might in the region.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is widely tipped to call a general election later this week.Australia must hold the election by May 17 at the latest.Recent polls show Albanese’s Labor government locked neck-and-neck with its conservative Liberal party rivals.

Equities diverged Tuesday, as investors struggled to extend Wall Street’s rally despite easing fears over Donald Trump’s planned tariffs, while traders were also looking ahead to the release of key US inflation data.A surge in tech giants including Tesla and Nvidia helped New York markets higher, with sentiment buoyed by indications from the White House that next week’s glut of levies would be less severe than feared.Trump has dubbed April 2 “Liberation Day” as he pledges to impose reciprocal tariffs on trading partners in an effort to remedy practices that Washington deems unfair.Since resuming office in January, Trump has pursued a hardball policy approach, taking aim at friend and foe alike, sending shivers through markets and fanning fears about the global economy.In recent days, he has suggested some countries could be given exemptions or reductions from next week’s measures, giving investors a much-needed sense of optimism.Market-watchers say the final outcome would likely see the tariffs changed after negotiations.”The recent wave of doom-laced narratives — fuelled by politically skewed consumer sentiment surveys and a flood of bearish op-eds — looks increasingly overcooked,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.And IG market analyst Tony Sycamore added: “The expectation is that the process will be more organised and structured than previous actions. Whatever numbers are announced on 2 April are likely to be negotiated down from there.”Still, the president did provide a jolt by warning countries that bought crude and gas from Venezuela would face steep tariffs, a move that could hit China and India among others.Beijing on Tuesday accused Washington of “interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs”.Asian stocks fluctuated through the day.Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, Mumbai and Wellington rose while Shanghai was flat but Bangkok and Manila dropped.Hong Kong sank 2.4 percent, weighed by a drop of around six percent in Chinese tech giant Xiaomi after it raised $5.5 billion in a mega share sale as it looked to expand its electric vehicle business.The deal, which comes after a similar move this month by EV firm BYD, stoked worries about market liquidity.Traders were also cashing in recent profits — particularly among high-flying tech firms — following an impressive surge in the Hang Seng Index that has seen it pile on around 20 percent since the start of the year.Seoul also fell, despite a surge of more than three percent in South Korean automaker Hyundai following news of a $21 billion US investment.London, Frankfurt and Paris opened higher.Eyes are also on the release this week of US personal consumption expenditure data, which is the Federal Reserve’s favoured inflation metric.The reading will be closely monitored amid warnings that prices will likely go up because of Trump’s tariffs.Atlanta Fed chief Raphael Bostic said the measures would likely mean the bank cuts interest rates just once this year.”I moved to one mainly because I think we’re going to see inflation be very bumpy and not move dramatically and in a clear way to the (Fed’s) two percent target,” he told Bloomberg Television on Monday.”Because that’s being pushed back, I think the appropriate path for policy is also going to have to be pushed back.”Oil prices edged up to extend Monday’s gains of more than one percent that came in response to Trump’s warning on Venezuelan crude.- Key figures around 0815 GMT -Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.5 percent at 37,780.54 (close)Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.4 percent at 23,344.25 (close)Shanghai – Composite: FLAT at 3,369.98 (close)London – FTSE 100: UP 0.5 percent at 8,679.58Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0793 from $1.0805 on MondayPound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2911 from $1.2924Dollar/yen: UP at 150.66 yen from 150.58 yenEuro/pound: UP at 83.59 pence from 83.58 penceWest Texas Intermediate: UP 0.4 percent at $69.35 per barrelBrent North Sea Crude: UP 0.3 percent at $72.59 per barrelNew York – Dow: UP 1.4 percent at 42,583.32 points (close)