The Week Ahead: Tariff Tensions Meet Prime Day Frenzy – What It Means For Markets
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A critical trade deadline approaches Wednesday as President Trump’s 90-day suspension of higher tariffs reaches its end. Multiple countries face uncertainty about whether elevated import taxes will return without finalized trade deals.
Trump initially paused the “Liberation Day” tariffs in April to allow negotiation time. The grace period gave trading partners three months to reach new agreements with the United States.
BREAKING: Trump announces what appears to be a horrible trade deal for the United States and Vietnam. American businesses will now be paying between 20 and 40% for imports coming from Vietnam.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 2, 2025
It’s literally like they want inflation. pic.twitter.com/WR0Hd6RDfs
Some nations have successfully concluded trade pacts, including the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Trump announced these agreements as examples of productive negotiations during the pause period.
Canada represents a different outcome, with Trump stating he has terminated discussions. The president indicated no further talks would occur with Canadian officials.
The Wednesday deadline leaves several countries in limbo regarding their trade status. Trump has not clarified whether he will restore the original tariff levels or grant additional time.
Amazon AMZN launches its annual Prime Day promotion on Tuesday with an expanded format. The e-commerce giant has doubled the event from two days to four days this year.
Prime Day Expansion and Market Performance
Last year’s Prime Day generated record sales figures for Amazon. The company’s decision to extend the 2025 event reflects confidence in consumer demand.
The four-day sale period runs from Tuesday through Friday. Amazon’s stock price has shown positive momentum ahead of the promotional event.
Stock markets ended last week at historic highs across major indices. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both achieved new record closes on Thursday.
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S&P 500 INDEX (^SPX)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished near its own peak levels. Trading was shortened due to the Independence Day holiday on Friday.
Economic Data and Corporate Results
Federal Reserve officials will release June meeting minutes on Wednesday. These documents reveal how central bankers view current economic conditions and future policy directions.
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The Fed uses economic data to guide interest rate decisions. Meeting minutes provide transparency about officials’ reasoning and debate topics.
Consumer credit information for May becomes available Tuesday. This data shows borrowing patterns and spending behavior among American consumers.
Weekly jobless claims data covers the period ending July 5. These figures track unemployment benefit applications nationwide.
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Source: Earnings Whispers
Delta Air Lines presents quarterly results on Thursday after reporting increased passenger revenue. The airline sector has shown recovery momentum in recent quarters.
Conagra Brands, owner of the Slim Jim brand, also reports Thursday. The food company previously faced supply chain challenges that impacted sales and profitability.
Levi Strauss completes Thursday’s earnings lineup while managing potential tariff effects. The apparel company must navigate trade policy uncertainties.
President Trump signed comprehensive tax and spending legislation on Friday. Wholesale inventory data for May will accompany Wednesday’s Fed minutes release.
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