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US Markets Close for Memorial Day as European Stocks Stabilize after Trump Delays Tariffs

US Markets Close for Memorial Day as European Stocks Stabilize after Trump Delays Tariffs

On Memorial Day (May 26), U.S. markets closed as it is a federal holiday, halting most public services and commercial transactions.

Meanwhile, European stocks stabilized temporarily as President Trump agreed to postpone tariffs of 50% on the EU after a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, moving the deadline from June 1 to July 9. However, experts caution that this does not ensure that trade tensions will not escalate.

According to reports, after Trump's announcement, the German DAX index closed up by 398 points at 24027, while the French CAC 40 index gained 93 points to finish at 7828, and the Italian FTSE MIB index rose by 513 points to close at 39988.

Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank, warned that the six-week period before tariffs take effect may not be enough for the U.S. and EU to resolve all trade agreement details, but it should allow for the establishment of a framework for trade agreements.

However, Schmieding cautioned that if the end result is a 20% or 30% tariff on EU goods, the EU will have no choice but to retaliate. He emphasized that Europe cannot be easily intimidated.

Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets in London, likened the U.S.-EU trade negotiation to a “high-risk tango,” with July 9 set to be a critical juncture. Investors should prepare for uncertainties ahead.