Over the past week, markets have experienced extreme uncertainty caused by US policy gyrations on tariffs. This uncertainty has started to weigh on US assets, including the dollar and US Treasuries. Despite the 90-day pause announced on 9 April, the US average tariff rate remains at a 100-year high, with rising US tariffs on China triggering retaliation from the latter.
“The trade war is triggering a shift that could alter the current international framework and call into question the US dollar and US Treasury’s safe-haven status.”