Stocks Dip as Tariff Deadline Looms, Dollar Softens

Stocks worldwide decreased on Friday because investors began worrying about upcoming trade deadlines after President Donald Trump successfully passed his broad tax and spending legislation. The dollar weakened against major currencies during light trading because U.S. markets remained closed for July 4th celebrations.

The STOXX 600 index of Europe declined 0.5% because banking stocks together with retail and mining shares experienced losses. The S&P 500 achieved its highest level during Thursday's shortened trading session which led U.S. futures to decline. Trump announced that his administration would distribute letters to trading partners which revealed upcoming U.S. tariff rates while creating rising trade concerns before the July 9 deadline.

The potential tariff escalation has become the main market concern according to IG analyst Tony Sycamore who believes it will negatively affect Asian sentiment particularly in Japan and South Korea. The market received positive news from Thursday's strong U.S. jobs data which strengthened economic confidence.

The House narrowly passed Trump's 869-page bill which prevents immediate government default while experts predict it will increase national debt by $3.4 trillion. The legislation increases funding for military operations and border protection measures. The president believes additional trade agreements will materialize soon since he has already finalized agreements with Vietnam, China and the UK but negotiations with Japan and South Korea remain unclear.