European stocks opened slightly higher on Wednesday, showing resilience despite U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff threats, including a 50% tariff on imported copper and up to 200% on pharmaceuticals. While the announcement pushed U.S. copper futures up over 10% to a record high and rattled Wall Street, global equity markets quickly stabilized.

London’s FTSE 100 and the pan-European STOXX 600 edged up 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively, while the MSCI World Index inched 0.1% higher. Currency markets saw the dollar strengthen against the yen, reflecting trade deal uncertainties with Japan. Meanwhile, investors await further trade war developments and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes to gauge potential impacts on inflation and interest rates.

Despite market steadiness, concerns persist. Analysts caution that tariff unpredictability could pressure corporate margins and feed inflation, even as growth expectations keep equities afloat. U.S. Treasury yields rose amid weak demand for bond auctions, and gold continued its decline for a third straight day.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump announces steep tariffs; copper surges 10%+

• European equities shrug off trade shock, edge higher

• Traders await Fed minutes and further tariff guidance

• Rising yields hint at deeper inflation and margin fears