U.S. stock index futures fall across the board after Trump’s tariff comments on eight European countries…gold and silver advance

U.S. stock index futures opened lower after President Donald Trump’s comments on tariffs targeting eight European countries, while safe-haven assets such as gold and silver strengthened.

According to The Kobeissi Letter on the 19th (local time), in the first stock index futures session since Trump said he would impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries, major benchmarks fell in unison. S&P 500 futures slid about 0.7%, Nasdaq 100 futures fell 1%, and Dow Jones futures declined 0.5%.

By contrast, the bid for safe havens was clear. Gold rose 1%, breaking above $4,650 to set a fresh all-time high. Silver also surged 3%, signaling a shift of risk-off sentiment into commodities. Markets are interpreting this as the typical pattern in which demand for precious metals strengthens as geopolitical and trade uncertainty widens.

The move follows Trump’s remarks not only on imposing tariffs on some European Union (EU) countries but also on demanding the acquisition of Greenland. Investors are increasing caution, seeing the comments as potentially reigniting global trade frictions and diplomatic tensions.