President Donald Trump arrived at the World Economic Forum in Davos today (Wednesday) as renewed tariff threats tied to his push to acquire Greenland unsettled markets and strained trade relations.
US equities rebounded the same day after the steepest selloff in months. Investors assessed Trump’s remarks in Davos for signals on the Greenland dispute.
Trump Proposes Talks, Keeps Tariff Pressure
In a keynote address, Trump said he wanted “immediate negotiations” over Greenland. He also said he would not use force to acquire the Danish territory.
“You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no, and we will remember,” he said. Trump dismissed the idea of global economic decoupling. He described the United States as the central driver of global markets. “You all follow us down, and you follow us up,” he said.
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Trump is scheduled to meet European leaders who have criticized his bid to take over Greenland. Over the weekend, he said the United States would impose 10% tariffs on eight European countries he accused of blocking a US purchase of the territory. He said the tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1 if no agreement is reached, according to Yahoo Finance.
The measures are set to begin on February 1. They would apply to “any and all goods sent to” the United States.
Trump has also threatened 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne. The warning came after French President Emmanuel Macron rejected Trump’s call to join a peace initiative.
Treasury, Supreme Court Address Tariff Uncertainty
European Union capitals have started discussions on possible retaliatory tariffs. The measures could reach up to $108 billion on US products. Trump said the Greenland dispute would not cause the EU to reconsider its trade agreement with the United States or its pledged investments.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed reports that Denmark had sold US Treasurys. A Danish pension operator sold about $100 million, citing concerns over US finances. “They’ve been selling Treasurys for years, I’m not concerned at all,” Bessent said.
Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court has not issued a ruling this year on the legality and scope of Trump’s global tariffs. The court declined to rule on Tuesday. The timing of its next decision remains unclear.
Stocks Rise Despite Tariff, EU Warnings
Markets showed modest gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite each rose about 0.6%. The rebound followed Trump’s call for “immediate negotiations” and his statement that he would not use force. Tariff threats and EU warnings of retaliation continued to weigh on trade expectations.
In corporate trading, Netflix shares fell after earnings. Investors also prepared for results from Johnson & Johnson, Charles Schwab, and other financial firms.