Europe markets fall; Healthcare stocks drop 2% on brink of Trump tariffs

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— Karen Gilchrist

European markets are expected to open lower Wednesday as global traders prepare for U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 24 points lower at 8,558, Germany’s DAX down 38 points at 22,501, France’s CAC 4 points lower at 7,872 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 74 points lower at 37,977, according to data from IG. 

There are no major data releases Wednesday. Earnings are set to come from Raspberry Pi.

— Holly Ellyatt

White House aides have drafted a proposal that would levy tariffs of roughly 20% on most imports, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

The report cited three people familiar with the matter. It also said White House advisors cautioned that several options are still on the table, meaning the 20% tariffs may not come to pass. Another plan being considered is the country-by-country “reciprocal” approach, according to the Post.

The report comes a day before April 2, when President Donald Trump is set to announce his larger plans for global trade. The date has loomed over Wall Street, where stocks have been struggling in part due to uncertainty around rapidly changing global trade policy.

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— Jesse Pound