FTSE 100 Shrugs Off Tariff Concerns Amidst Global Economic Uncertainty
Good morning and welcome to the City AM liveblog. The FTSE 100 demonstrated resilience on Monday, February 23, 2026, largely shrugging off renewed tariff concerns initiated by the United States. Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of a sweeping 15 percent levy across US trading partners on Saturday, the index ended the day down just two points at 10,684.74p.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and Market Reaction
The week began with heightened uncertainty following President Trump’s tariff announcement. However, a measured response from government officials, who deferred questions to ongoing discussions, appeared to calm market nerves. Trump further escalated tensions by threatening additional “obnoxious” tariffs, citing a Supreme Court ruling he claimed granted him expanded powers.
EU Trade Deal Vote Postponed
Adding to the global economic uncertainty, lawmakers in the European Union postponed a vote on the trade deal with the US, demanding “full clarity” from the White House. This move mirrors a similar pause in negotiations last month, triggered by Trump’s previous attempt to acquire Greenland.
FTSE 100 as a Safe Haven
Despite the escalating trade tensions and ongoing geopolitical concerns, including worries about Iran, the FTSE 100 has maintained a degree of stability. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, noted, “Investors looking for a safe haven from tariff madness and worries about Iran could do a lot worse than the FTSE 100 right now.” He added that the index “seems impervious to worries about US trade policy and the potential for a US-Iran conflict, holding steady today while US stocks fall back.”
Other News on February 24, 2026
Today, February 24, 2026, is likewise recognized as National Tortilla Chip Day, National Trading Card Day, World Spay Day, Twin Peaks Day, and World Bartender Day according to Days of the Year. Smardline S’s novel, “written on ice,” is being released today in ku, print, and audiobook formats as announced on Facebook. The book is described as a dark academia story featuring a figure skater and a hockey captain.
Ongoing East Coast Blizzard
Meanwhile, a significant winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Hernando by The Weather Channel, is impacting the East Coast of the United States as reported by weather.com. The storm is bringing blizzard conditions, with over two feet of snow and high winds, leading to power outages and coastal flooding. Providence, Rhode Island, broke its all-time snowstorm record with a two-day total of 32.4 inches, surpassing the previous record set during the “Blizzard of ’78.”
We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates on tariffs, the East Coast blizzard, and other market developments.