The US-UK Trade Agreement and the US-China Negotiations Boost Market: Oil Prices and Tesla Stock Rise, and Gold Climbs Due to a Weakened Dollar

TaiwanBusiness05/10 02:00
The US-UK Trade Agreement and the US-China Negotiations Boost Market: Oil Prices and Tesla Stock Rise, and Gold Climbs Due to a Weakened Dollar

On May 10, 2025, US-China high-level trade negotiations took place in Geneva, and the US and UK reached a bilateral trade agreement, enhancing market confidence. Oil prices rose, driven by trade optimism and Middle Eastern tensions, while Tesla's stock price rebounded thanks to tariff reductions and advancements in its self-driving taxi program. Gold prices rose due to the weakening dollar and geopolitical risks. This article examines how these events affect oil prices, Tesla's stock price, and gold prices.

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05/10 02:00

The US-UK Trade Agreement and the US-China Negotiations Boost Market: Oil Prices and Tesla Stock Rise, and Gold Climbs Due to a Weakened Dollar

On May 10, 2025, US-China high-level trade negotiations took place in Geneva, and the US and UK reached a bilateral trade agreement, enhancing market confidence. Oil prices rose, driven by trade optimism and Middle Eastern tensions, while Tesla's stock price rebounded thanks to tariff reductions and advancements in its self-driving taxi program. Gold prices rose due to the weakening dollar and geopolitical risks. This article examines how these events affect oil prices, Tesla's stock price, and gold prices.

US-UK Trade Agreement Finalized, Tesla Stock Rises for Third Consecutive Week

On May 8, US President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a limited bilateral trade agreement. The agreement includes reducing US tariffs on UK car imports from 27.5% to 10% and eliminating the 25% tariffs on UK steel and aluminum products. In exchange, the UK will lower import barriers on US agricultural products and expand market access for US digital trade and financial technology sectors.

This agreement directly benefits Tesla (TSLA-US). Tesla can reduce import tariffs on its Model S and Model X vehicles exported to the UK, boosting its stock price by nearly 7% during trading on May 9, closing at $307.04 per share, marking the third consecutive week of gains. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives noted that market expectations for easing US-UK tariff policies further bolstered investor confidence in Tesla.

US-China Trade Talks Resume, Trump Signals Tariff Reduction

High-level US-China trade representatives began talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 10, marking the first official meeting since Trump's return to office. The US delegation is led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, while the Chinese side is represented by Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Trump recently stated that the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports "cannot go any higher" and hinted at a possible reduction to 80%. According to reports from the New York Post and Bloomberg, the Trump administration is considering lowering tariffs to between 50% and 60% as a starting point for renewed negotiations with China. White House spokesperson Levitt emphasized that any tariff adjustments would require concessions from China.

China, however, is approaching the talks cautiously, describing it as a "meeting" rather than "high-level consultations" and stating that it will observe the US's bottom line and demands. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying criticized the Trump administration's approach as "unsustainable" but also expressed confidence in China's ability to handle trade challenges.

Oil Prices Rise on Trade Optimism and Middle East Tensions, OPEC+ Production Increase Limits Gains

Driven by optimism over the US-UK trade agreement and US-China negotiations, crude oil futures prices rose nearly 2% on May 9. Brent crude increased by $1.07, closing at $63.91 per barrel, while WTI crude rose by $1.11, closing at $61.02 per barrel. Both benchmark oil prices rose over 4% this week, marking the first weekly increase since mid-April.

Market analysts pointed out that easing trade tensions between the world's two largest oil consumers, the US and China, would help stabilize expectations for oil demand. Additionally, escalating tensions in the Middle East also pushed oil prices higher. The Israeli military reported intercepting a missile from Yemen, with the Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for the attack. Ceasefire negotiations between the US and the Houthi rebels have also stalled.

However, OPEC+ announced this week that it would increase production by 411,000 barrels per day starting in June as part of a gradual easing of the voluntary production cut plan. Despite a slight decrease in overall production in April due to supply declines in Libya, Venezuela, and Iraq, the production increase plan still puts pressure on oil prices.

Gold Prices Supported by Weaker Dollar and Geopolitical Risks

Gold prices rose 1.1% on May 9, with spot gold closing at $3,340.29 per ounce, up about 3.1% for the week. US gold futures also rose 1.1%, closing at $3,344 per ounce. The dollar index fell 0.3% that day, making gold more attractive to holders of non-dollar currencies.

Geopolitical risks also drove demand for safe-haven assets. In addition to the Middle East situation, India and Pakistan engaged in border conflicts for the third consecutive day, using drones and artillery, marking one of the most severe military standoffs in nearly thirty years.

Furthermore, uncertainty over Trump's trade policies remains high. Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr noted that if tariffs continue to rise, it could drive up inflation, suppress economic growth, and increase unemployment, further enhancing gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset.

Iran Nuclear Talks Resume Amid Continued US Sanctions

The US imposed sanctions on a third independent Chinese refinery this week for allegedly purchasing Iranian oil in violation of regulations. This move is seen as part of US pressure on Iran to return to the nuclear agreement negotiation table. The fourth round of US-Iran nuclear talks is expected to take place in Oman this weekend.

The uncertainty surrounding Iranian oil supply, coupled with US sanctions on Chinese refineries, further disrupts the global energy market supply chain, becoming another potential factor for oil price volatility.

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