LONDON / WASHINGTON, APRIL 24 —
The economic fuse has been lit — and the fallout is already global. A fresh wave of aggressive U.S. tariffs, announced earlier today, is sending financial shockwaves across the Atlantic, rattling both Wall Street and the heart of the U.K.’s already fragile economy.
Bank of England Sounds Alarm
As news broke, the Bank of England didn’t hold back. In an urgent statement, it warned that “fragmented global trade is now a serious threat to open economies like ours.” U.K. consumer confidence instantly nosedived, plummeting to levels not seen since the 2008 crash.
Big British brands are bracing for impact. While Unilever and Domino’s claim their exposure is limited, companies like Ineos Automotive say their profit targets are now in jeopardy.
Markets Go Wild
Across the globe, stock markets reacted like a live wire.
– The FTSE 100 slid sharply.
– U.S. markets opened mixed, with heavy drops in sectors hit by reciprocal tariffs.
– The S&P 500 and Nasdaq flashed red before a midday Trump tweet hinted at “deals on the horizon.”
Trump: “We’re done playing nice”
Speaking in Washington, President Trump said bluntly:
“We’re not backing down. The U.S. has been taken advantage of for too long. It’s America First — no apologies.”
Analysts warn this rhetoric may deepen tensions with key allies — especially the U.K., now facing a storm it didn’t create.
Bottom Line?
Global investors are spooked. British businesses are rattled. And average consumers in both countries? They may soon be paying the price at checkout.
The world is watching. But is anyone steering the ship?
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