Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. $HLT, one of the world’s largest hotel operators, has revised its forecast for revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth in 2025. The company cited weakening consumer travel spending as a key driver behind the downgrade, making it the first major U.S. hospitality brand to adjust guidance in response to macroeconomic fallout from escalating trade tensions.
As global markets digest the latest wave of tariff escalations initiated by the U.S., concerns over sovereign credit ratings have intensified. However, S&P Global Ratings $SPGI has maintained its “stable” outlook on the U.S. (AA+) and China, signaling confidence in the resilience of the world’s two largest economies amid heightened trade tensions.
Amid intensifying global trade tensions and mounting U.S. sanctions, the economic landscape is taking on a new dimension. Patrick Martin, the head of French business group MEDef, has voiced serious concerns regarding the U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and their potential impact on economic growth. According to Martin, these measures might not only slow down economic activity but could also trigger a recession.
The U.S. stock markets exhibited significant volatility in the first quarter of 2025, markedly affecting indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. These key market benchmarks recorded their worst quarterly performances since 2022, influenced by the economic policies of the Trump administration and the introduction of new tariffs, which heightened fears of a global trade war.
On Tuesday, gold prices continued their upward trajectory, fueled by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tariff policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. This environment has driven increased demand for safe-haven assets like gold, as global markets face heightened fears of a potential trade war.
Oil prices rebounded on Monday, despite ongoing global uncertainty triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum. These proposed tariffs could significantly affect the global economy and demand for energy resources.
