Midday Market Roundup for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Hello, everyone. Let's examine the top four financial and global economic news stories for March 12, 2025, as of midday.

1. U.S. Stock Futures Rise Amid Tariff Tensions

U.S. stock futures are pointing higher after indexes extended their selloff on Tuesday. Nasdaq futures are nearly 1% higher, while S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are up 0.9% and 0.6%, respectively. This recovery comes as the U.S. implements 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, a move that could disrupt global trade and supply chains, prompting the European Union to announce retaliatory tariffs worth $28 billion. Ursula von der Leyen, EU President, emphasized that these measures match the economic scope of U.S. tariffs.

2. Oil Prices Climb on Tighter Supplies

Oil prices rose 2% early Wednesday, driven by tighter U.S. oil and fuel inventories. However, gains were capped by concerns over a potential U.S. economic slowdown and the impact of tariffs. Daniel Hynes, a senior commodity strategist at ANZ, reassured that immediate demand for crude oil remains robust despite economic worries, providing a stable outlook for the oil market.

3. Intel Stock Surges on Joint Venture Report

Intel shares jumped nearly 8% in premarket trading following reports that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is organizing a joint venture to take over Intel's foundry division. This development, if successful, could potentially turn around Intel's struggling chip manufacturing business and strengthen TSMC's position in the market. Reuters reported that TSMC has approached U.S. chip designers Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Broadcom about forming this joint venture.

4. Inflation Data Shows Slowing Price Increases

The February Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed that inflation slowed slightly, with a projected annual rate of 2.9%, down from January's 3.0%. Jeffze of ClearBridge Investments highlighted that easing shelter inflation could encourage those seeking progress in tackling inflation. This data comes ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision next week.

In summary, today's financial landscape is marked by cautious optimism amidst ongoing economic uncertainty. As we move forward, monitoring these developments closely for their potential impact on global markets will be crucial

Disclosure:

This article provides general information about current financial and global economic news. It is not intended to be personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The information herein is based on publicly available data and should not be considered investment recommendations.

1. No Compensation Received: No compensation was received from any individual or entity for the preparation or publication of this article.

2. No Client Relationship: The author has no client relationship with any individuals or entities mentioned in this article.

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4. General Information Only: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for making investment decisions. Readers are advised to consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or individual mentioned. The information provided is subject to change and may not reflect the current market situation.

Sources:

1. U.S. Stock Futures Rise Amid Tariff Tensions
   https://www.investopedia.com/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-march-12-2025-11695284
2. Oil Prices Climb on Tighter Supplies
   https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-rise-weak-dollar-concerns-over-tariff-impact-cap-gains-2025-03-12/
3. Intel Stock Surges on Joint Venture Report
   https://www.investopedia.com/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-march-12-2025-11695284
4. Inflation Data Shows Slowing Price Increases
   https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-tech-leads-stock-rebound-with-inflation-data-tariffs-in-focus-231741702.html

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