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
Servo Saver app

State App Exposes Fuel Stations with Sky-High Prices: A Consumer Alert

The Victorian government will name and shame service stations with the highest…
Scientists are calling for a ban on boiling lobsters alive, after a study shows that they do feel pain

Researchers Advocate for Immediate Prohibition of Boiling Lobsters Alive Following Study Confirming Crustacean Pain Sensitivity

A recent study has called for an immediate ban on the traditional…
Their deaths could and should have been prevented

Preventable Tragedies: How These Lives Could Have Been Saved

A mass killing by a British teen who fatally stabbed three little…
Bombshell election result to rock Europe

Europe on Edge: Unprecedented Election Result Set to Reshape the Continent

Hungarian voters have ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban after 16 years…
Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peter's Basilica, on April 11, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Trump’s Surprising Criticism of Pope Francis Marks Unprecedented Shift in Stance

When he was elected, US President Trump gushed about him being “the…
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, April 10, 2026, en route to Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Midnight Marks Start of Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Trump declared the US Navy would “immediately” begin a blockade to stop…

Government Explores Additional Economic Relief Measures, Calls on Motorists to Conserve Fuel

The federal government is contemplating additional economic relief measures for Australians, following…
Charges after major police operation in NSW Hunter region

Major Police Operation in NSW Hunter Region Leads to Arrests

A 34-year-old man has been charged with domestic violence offences after a…

Gout Gout Shatters 200m Sprint Record, Surpassing Bolt with Sub-20 Second Finish

in brief Australian teen sprining sensation Gout Gout has recorded a time…
'Blow them to hell': Trump to blockade Strait of Hormuz

Trump Proposes Blockade of Strait of Hormuz with Aggressive Stance

Former President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, suggesting that China…

Unlocking the Connection: How Your Dreams Might Reveal Early Signs of Dementia

Can you recall last night’s dream? Recent research suggests that individuals who…
Uber adds 5c per kilometre fuel surcharge due to Middle Eastern conflict

Uber Introduces 5-Cent Per Kilometer Fuel Surcharge Amid Rising Costs from Middle Eastern Conflict

Popular rideshare company Uber is set to bring a surcharge to rides…