A steel CEO credits Trump's tariffs for benefiting the steel industry, but critics and economic data suggest the broader U.S. manufacturing sector is still struggling, and public opinion remains skeptical about the tariffs' overall benefits ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The UK economy experienced no growth in July, following a significant manufacturing contraction, with a focus on rolling three-month growth figures; the government faces pressure to boost growth and may consider tax increases in the upcoming Budget amid economic challenges and political debates.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed unchanged in a shortened trading session ahead of the July 4 holiday. The S&P 500 rose slightly, while the Nasdaq led with a 0.2% gain. Tesla and other electric vehicle (EV) rivals soared after reporting record deliveries in the second quarter. Tesla delivered 466,140 vehicles, beating estimates, and its shares are approaching a 52-week high. Meanwhile, manufacturing declined for the second month, and AstraZeneca fell after mixed results from a Phase III trial.