European stocks are showing weakness on Monday amid renewed concerns about tariffs after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that he will hike levies on European cars and trucks to 25% from the existing 15% rate, saying the European Union had failed to fully comply with a trade agreement negotiated with the US.
Lingering concerns about the situation in the Middle East weigh as well on sentiment. Iran's navy has reportedly said that it has prevented US ships entering the Strait of Hormuz, after Trump said the US military would help guide stranded vessels today.
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May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.