US Imposes 15% Global Tariffs as Oil Hits 6-Month High and Bitcoin Slumps

Global financial markets are facing significant volatility following President Trump's immediate implementation of a 15% "global" tariff, a move that directly threatens existing trade agreements between the US and the European Union. This escalation in trade policy has triggered a broad "risk-off" sentiment across major asset classes. Simultaneously, oil prices have surged to a six-month high, driven by intensifying geopolitical tensions that threaten supply stability. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin has retreated toward critical support levels as investors move away from speculative assets. Amidst the equity market turbulence, PayPal has reportedly attracted early takeover interest following a sharp decline in its valuation. These developments collectively signal a period of heightened uncertainty for international trade and global economic growth.