Trump's turbulent tariff policy sees markets edge lower

European stocks fall on Friday while the dollar strengthened  

US president Donald Trump threatened to double the baseline universal tariff to 20%, citing record stock gains to dispel fears that such a move would hammer the global economy. Picture: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

US president Donald Trump threatened to double the baseline universal tariff to 20%, citing record stock gains to dispel fears that such a move would hammer the global economy.

Financial markets edged lower but the relatively subdued reaction showed the extent to which traders have become desensitized to the economic dangers - something that could lead to a reckoning in markets further down the line.