VW, Fiat hit as European shares slump on Trump’s Mexico tariffs

VW, Fiat hit as European shares slump on Trump’s Mexico tariffs

Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler is also affected by global trade tensions as President Donald Trump promises tariffs on Mexican imports.

Volkswagen shares have slipped to more than a three-month low. (AFP pic)
BENGALURU:
European shares sank to a more than three-month low on Friday, led by carmakers Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler after President Donald Trump opened a new front in global trade tensions by promising tariffs on Mexican imports.

Trump said all Mexican goods would face a 5% tariff from June 10 until illegal immigration is stopped, threatening to disrupt supply chains at a time when investors are again worrying about the threat of recession.

A worse than expected batch of Chinese data added to the dour mood, sending the pan-European STOXX 600 0.9% lower by7am.

All European sectors were in the red, as investors dumped stocks in favour of the safety of government bonds and Germany’s DAX, which is particularly vulnerable to trade risks, dropped 1.3% to a two month low.

The European auto index fell 2.7%, driven by 3% falls in both Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler , who have significant exposure to Mexico.

Spanish banks Santander, Sabadell and Bilbao, which all have a sizeable presence in Mexico, slid between 3.6% and 1.8%.

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