Castellum reports higher vacancy rates and declining asset values

Investors are keeping a close eye on today’s CPI report, which is expected to show inflation ticked up again in June. Meanwhile, S&P futures are climbing as markets brace for both the inflation data and a fresh round of bank earnings. It’s a classic "wait-and-see" moment—will hotter inflation numbers spook traders, or will strong earnings balance things out?

The European Union is eyeing retaliatory tariffs on iconic American products like Boeing aircraft and bourbon whiskey, escalating a long-running trade dispute with the U.S. This move comes as part of a broader pushback against U.S. subsidies for domestic industries, which the EU argues unfairly disadvantage global competitors.

Shares of major German automakers took a hit after former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed steep tariffs on imported cars if he wins the upcoming election. Companies like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz saw their stock prices drop as investors worried about the potential impact on sales and profits in the critical U.S. market.

Despite showing surprising strength through recent economic turbulence, the U.S. economy could face a tougher challenge with the latest round of tariffs. These new trade barriers might squeeze businesses and consumers harder than expected, potentially slowing growth or driving up prices.

The FTSE 100, the UK's top stock index, just broke 9,000 points for the first time ever—a big milestone for investors. Interestingly, part of the surge comes from the so-called "TACO trade," where traders bet that Trump's market-shaking policies (like recent tariffs) will eventually fizzle out, causing rebounds. The index took a hit in April after tariff announcements but has since recovered strongly.