The Global Five: Biz Buzz Before Breakfast Tuesday, April 15th, 2025: Global Stock Markets Surge

By George Moen | WBN News Global | April 15, 2025

Markets are moving, tech is pivoting, and steel may soon be state-run. Here are five of the biggest business-impacting headlines from the last 24 hours, curated for entrepreneurs and decision-makers.

📌 At A Glance

1. Global stock markets surge on tariff exemptions
2. UK considers nationalising British Steel
3. Apple dominates Q1 smartphone sales
4. Meta resumes AI training in Europe
5. Markets rise globally despite tariff confusion

1. Global Markets Rally on Tariff Exemptions

Source: The Guardian
Markets surged after President Trump announced a temporary exemption for tech imports, including smartphones and laptops, from U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. The move sparked optimism across global exchanges.

Why It Matters:
Tech firms and investors welcomed the relief, driving growth across sectors and setting a bullish tone for Q2. In the short term, small and medium-sized electronics importers may benefit.

2. British Steel Faces Potential Nationalisation

Source: The Guardian
The UK government is considering nationalising British Steel after its Chinese owners turned down a £500m rescue offer. Without intervention, major plant closures and job losses are expected.

Why It Matters:
This move reflects growing protectionism and industrial policy shifts. It also reveals global instability in heavy manufacturing—a warning for other industries dependent on foreign capital.

3. Apple Leads in Smartphone Sales

Source: Investors.com
Apple topped global smartphone sales in Q1 2025, boosted by tariff exemptions and sustained consumer demand. Shares rose alongside the broader tech rally.

Why It Matters:
Strong consumer hardware performance stabilizes investor confidence and highlights Apple's global competitive edge, a critical signal for the electronics supply chain.

4. Meta to Resume AI Training in Europe

Source: The Guardian
Meta announced it will resume using European user data for AI model training, navigating complex new regulations under the EU AI Act.

Why It Matters:
It sets a precedent for how tech giants will operate under increased scrutiny and shifts in data policy. Businesses leveraging AI must stay alert to global compliance standards.

5. Stock Markets Rise on Signs of Tariff Retreat

Source: Reuters
Major global indexes rose Monday as tech tariffs eased. However, President Trump cautioned that further levies remain possible, muting gains in some markets.

Why It Matters:
Investors remain reactive to U.S. trade messaging. Small businesses with international suppliers or export interests must stay agile amid policy volatility.

🔭 Watch List – Developing Stories To Keep An Eye On

• Tariff Confusion Deepens – Tech goods face mixed signals as the White House hints at semiconductor-specific tariffs. (The Guardian)
• Trump Adviser Dismisses Recession Fears – Kevin Hassett claims “100% not” a chance of recession in 2025. (New York Post)
• Deutsche Bank Shifts Toward ECM – Appoints Barclays’ Tom Swerling to lead equity capital markets. (Financial News London)
• Goldman Sachs Beats Estimates – Profit surges as traders ride market volatility. (Investors.com)
• BankSA State Monitor Released – Consumer confidence up in South Australia, but household finances still shaky. (Adelaide Now)
• OPEC Slashes Oil Demand Forecast – Tariff impact drives revisions to global energy outlook. (The Guardian)
• Intel Sells Altera Stake to Silver Lake – Deal values the unit near $15B. (The Guardian)
• Retailers Shift Tariff Burden to Shoppers – Price hikes hitting receipts at checkout. (The Guardian)

George Moen – Publisher, WBN News Global | Contact: gmoen@wbnn.com

TAGS: #Global Economy #Small Business News #Trade Policy #Technology Trends #AI Regulation #Manufacturing Trends #Consumer Markets