A screen above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange displays the closing number for the Dow Jones industrial average, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Share this @internewscast.com
The president’s retaliatory tariff threats in Europe have reignited fears of an escalating trade war, spooking traders into a mass sell-off today as Wall Street returned from the Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend break.
A screen above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange displays the closing number for the Dow Jones industrial average, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
A screen above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange displays the closing number for the Dow Jones industrial average. (AP)

The US dollar index experienced a significant drop today, tumbling by 0.8%, marking its steepest decline since August. This index evaluates the US dollar’s performance against six prominent currencies, including the euro.

This downturn in the dollar contributed to a surge in the Australian dollar, which climbed to its highest level in 15 months, advancing by 0.3% to reach 67.66 US cents. The Australian dollar last reached this threshold in October 2024.

The euro also gained ground against the US dollar, appreciating by 0.65% today.

In contrast, the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) 200 index faced a downturn, slipping by 0.5% to 8,775 points by midday.

The euro was also up 0.65 per cent against the US dollar today.

Meanwhile, the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) 200 index dropped 0.5 per cent to 8775 points by lunchtime today.

Australian dollar
The Australian dollar soared to a 15-month high, rising 0.3 per cent to 67.66 US cents. (Wayne Taylor)

World stock markets had been bracing for more volatility amid Trump’s latest tariff face-off in Europe.

The president threatened eight European countries with tariffs if they opposed his plans to seize Greenland.

Trump also threatened to place a 200 per cent tariff on champagne after French President Emmanuel Macron declined his invitation to join his international organisation “Board of Peace”.

Investors are rattled by fears the trade turbulence which kicked off last year – dubbed “Sell America” – could return to Wall Street.

It appears many are hedging bets that Trump’s NATO appearance in Davos, Switzerland, could result in another wave of tariffs if Denmark does not cede Greenland.

President Donald Trump walks speak with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on eight European countres. (AP)

The currency’s renewed strength followed Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs into the US on most countries.

Trump told reporters at the time that he pulled back on many global tariffs – but not on China – because people were “yippy” and “afraid” due to the stock market declines.

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump Officials Justify Minneapolis Shooting Amidst Obama Critique: A Nation Divided?

High-ranking members within President Donald Trump’s administration have stood by the actions…

Voices of Diversity: Migrants Reveal What Being Australian Truly Means

How Australians choose to observe January 26 can differ dramatically, as this…
Residents in four zones east of the fire have been urged to evacuate, while those in Lorne and Anglesea should monitor conditions.

Over 1,000 Homes Evacuated as Otways Fire Poses Threat to Lorne and Surrounding Towns

Residents near a bushfire raging in Victoria’s south-west are being urged to…
Obama blasts 'lawless and cruel' tactics after federal officers kill nurse

Obama Condemns ‘Lawless and Cruel’ Tactics Following Federal Officers’ Fatal Shooting of Nurse

Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have…
School zone sign in NSW

School Zone Speed Limits Reinstate Early: Crucial Alert for Drivers to Avoid Fines

School zones will be enforced early in NSW ahead of students returning…

Meet the 2026 Australian of the Year Award Honorees: Celebrating the Nation’s Inspiring Leaders

Katherine Bennell-Pegg has made history as the first Australian to qualify as…
Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien, Opposition leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

Sussan Ley’s Key Advisor Quashes Leadership Spill Rumors Amid Political Speculation

Liberal deputy leader Ted O’Brien has dismissed growing speculation of a leadership…
London, United Kingdom - March 7th, 2023 :   A new blue British passport with an airline boarding pass.  Since the United Kingdom has left the European Union in 2020, new British passports have returned to their original blue colour.

Dual Citizens Rush to Update Passports Following Important Policy Shift

The UK will soon strictly enforce its ETA scheme from February 25;…

Widowhood Inspires Newfound Appreciation for First Nations Traditions

Over 1.2 million Australians are grappling with the deep sorrow of losing…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at the 2026 Australian of the Year awards morning tea at The Lodge in Canberra on Sunday 25 January 2026.

Unite and Celebrate: PM’s Rallying Call for a Harmonious Australia Day

Millions of people are set to celebrate Australia Day, with citizenship ceremonies,…

Whadjuk-Yued Noongar Electrician Honored as Australia’s Local Hero of the Year

Content Advisory: This article discusses sensitive topics. Frank Mitchell’s early years were…
Thousands expected to participate in Invasion Day marches around the country

Nationwide Invasion Day Marches Anticipate Strong Turnout

Today, a multitude of Australians are expected to gather in cities nationwide…