Market Tremors as Trade Tensions Escalate

3

⚠ The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

By midday on Monday, the S&P/ASX200 index had recorded its steepest decline in nearly two years, tumbling 167.7 points to 8,364.6, marking a 1.97% decrease. Similarly, the All Ordinaries index mirrored this downward trajectory, dropping by 1.95% to 8,618.5. These figures follow a similar decline earlier in September, although the current scenario hints at a more profound market response.

Amidst this financial turmoil, the Australian dollar also experienced a sharp depreciation against the US dollar, reaching its lowest valuation since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The currency dropped from 62.25 US cents to 61.16 US cents in a matter of days, reflecting heightened investor anxiety.

This market unrest was provoked by President Trump's decision to levy a 25% tariff on influential North American trade partners, Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. "This will be the golden age of America!" Trump declared on social media, acknowledging potential economic discomfort.

In reaction to these events, Elsa Lignos, the global head of FX strategy at RBC Capital Markets based in London, observed, "This is a big shock that we weren't priced for...I think he actually believes tariffs are going to be the new income tax." Lignos' insights contrast perennial assumptions that Trump's tactics were primarily for political leverage rather than substantive economic reform.

In response, both China and affected North American nations have vowed retaliatory measures, heightening the stakes on the global economic stage.

Significant declines were observed across all sectors, with materials and mining facing the most severe impact, plummeting by 2.1%. Notably, major entities such as Fortescue, BHP, and Rio Tinto experienced losses of 4.7%, 1.8%, and 2.9%, respectively. The New Zealand-based Fisher & Paykel Healthcare saw a 7.1% decline, partly due to its manufacturing dependency on Mexico, highlighting vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

Financial institutions weren't spared, as the primary Australian banks recorded declines, including NAB, which fell by 1.8%, followed by Westpac, CBA, and ANZ.

Meanwhile, Westgold Resources faced an 11.4% recoil, reflecting internal operational challenges amidst an already volatile market environment.

Originally reported by AAP, this situation warrants close monitoring as the ramifications of escalating trade tensions unfold further.

Published:Monday, 3rd Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Austal Limited Expands Patrol Boat Fleet with New $135 Million Contract

18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a contract extension worth over $135 million to construct two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force. This development increases the total number of these vessels to 14, underscoring Austal's pivotal role in bolstering Australia's maritime surveillance capabilities. - read more

MitchCap and BIA Collaborate to Boost Financial Literacy in Marine Industry

02 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) and MitchCap have announced a strategic partnership to launch a three-year Industry Financial Skills and Awareness Program aimed at enhancing financial literacy within Australia's marine sector. This initiative is set to provide BIA members nationwide with valuable knowledge, data analytics, and commercial resources to bolster their financial acumen. - read more

BIA and AFTA Forge Partnership to Strengthen Boating and Fishing Sectors

02 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move for Australia's outdoor recreation sector, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) have formalized an agreement to collaborate more closely. This partnership is designed to benefit their combined membership base and bolster support for boat-based fishing across the nation. - read more

Australia's Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion in 2023

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's marine industry has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, with its output soaring to $229 billion in 2023. This 19% increase from previous years underscores the sector's robust growth and its pivotal role in the national economy. - read more

BIA Calls for Strategic Support in Australia's Marine Manufacturing Sector

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has recently called upon all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support to the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This appeal comes in response to a significant skills shortage that threatens the industry's substantial economic contributions. - read more

Austal Limited Bolsters U.S. Shipbuilding with $100 Million EFA Loan

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a $100 million loan from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to support the expansion of its shipbuilding operations in Mobile, Alabama. This funding is earmarked for the development of Austal USA's Final Assembly 2 (FA2) project, a significant step in enhancing the company's capacity to construct vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. - read more

Click for more Finance News