Vienna Stock Exchange in downturn: ATX falls 1.07% ahead of US tariff announcement

Vienna Stock Exchange in downturn: ATX falls 1.07% ahead of US tariff announcement

Difficult times for the Vienna Stock Exchange: On Friday, the leading index ATX recorded a decline of 1.07 percent and closed at 4,384.34 points. This changes the situation for investors, as the ATX fell by 0.8 percent on average for the week, while trading venues across Europe were also in the red. This uncertainty becomes how t online reported, primarily triggered by the threat of US tariffs.

In the US, President Donald Trump plans to inform countries about tariff rates on exports to the United States and it is rumored that briefing letters are expected to be sent on Friday. German Chancellor Merz and French President Macron are committed to a quick agreement with minimal tariffs, but global trade conflicts could be more difficult to address, as the current situation in the European economy shows. If trade continues to become more expensive, the latest attempts at recovery by German industry, which recorded a decline in incoming orders in May, could also be at risk.

Economic uncertainties

Bawag shares fell 1.7 percent, while Raiffeisen Bank International recorded an even more drastic decline of 2.4 percent. Erste Bank also suffered a setback with a loss of 0.5 percent. Construction stocks are also under pressure: Strabag lost 1.5 percent, Porr suffered a decline of 1.8 percent and Wienerberger even 4.5 percent. Andritz shares fell 0.4 percent, although the new chief financial officer sees little impact from US tariffs.

Concerns about retail processes are now not just limited to the Austrian market. Investors are concerned that new trade conflicts, such as the expected reciprocal tariffs against several countries, could seriously disrupt the economic balance. These uncertainties are part of a larger picture, and it quickly becomes clear that trade disputes - such as those between the USA and China or the developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict - have historical precedents and are evidently having a profound impact on global economic growth, including from Magazine World analyzed.

Losses and price winners

Despite the general negative trend, there were also bright spots on the Vienna market. AT&S shares rose by 3.1 percent and Kapsch TrafficCom enjoyed an increase of 1.1 percent. Although these positive surprises are very fortunate in a turbulent market, the overall mood remains tense. Investors are wondering how long this volatility will last and what measures central banks could take to stabilize the situation.

In an increasingly complex overall economic situation, it remains to be seen whether those responsible at the political level are able to find a well-thought-out solution to these trade conflicts in order to calm the markets. Fundamentally, trust in the stability of trade is essential, not only for Europe, but for financial markets worldwide.