The litecoin price prediction The ,000financial markets delivered a split verdict on Thursday's historic US-UK trade agreement, with American indices surging while British equities retreated. The FTSE 100 closed 0.32% lower despite earlier gains, contrasting sharply with the S&P 500's 0.58% advance and Nasdaq's 1.07% tech-fueled jump.
Market participants appeared underwhelmed by the deal's failure to remove the 10% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on April 2. While the agreement promises expanded market access for American agricultural exports worth billions, UK automakers face stiff new barriers - including maintained 10% duties on initial vehicle shipments and punitive 25% rates beyond certain thresholds.
The Bank of England's simultaneous 25 basis point rate cut to 4.25% failed to buoy London stocks, with Governor Andrew Bailey warning of persistent economic uncertainty. Inflation's retreat to 2.6% in March justified the anticipated monetary easing, but traders seemed more focused on the trade deal's implications for UK exporters.
Notable corporate movers included:
The agreement's most surprising element maintains Trump's controversial Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, though it establishes a framework for future negotiations. UK negotiators did secure commitments for $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in American beef shipments, while obtaining reduced duties on US goods from 5.1% to 1.8%.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the deal as foundational for future economic cooperation, but market reactions suggest investors wanted more immediate tariff relief. The STOXX 600's 0.4% gain highlighted how continental European markets viewed the developments more favorably than their British counterparts.
As the first trade pact concluded under Trump's new tariff regime, this agreement establishes precedent for future negotiations. The maintained 10% baseline rate - which the President called "low" compared to what other nations might face - signals a tougher stance in upcoming trade talks with other partners.
