JAKARTA – Key stock indices in the United States (US) and Europe advanced in trading on Wednesday (23/4), following comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the future direction of the tariff war.

According to IDNFinancials.com, the S&P 500 index gained 1.67%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) rose 1.07%, while the Nasdaq 100 climbed 2.28%.

In Europe, Germany’s DAX composite index strengthened by 3.14%. Meanwhile, the UK’s FTSE 100 increased by 0.90%, and the Euro Stoxx 50 advanced 2.86%.

Indices have continued to rise since Bessent’s remarks caught public attention. In a closed-door meeting attended by investors on Tuesday (22/4), Bessent stated that trade tensions between the US and China would soon reach a point of de-escalation.

Bessent further noted that the 145% tariffs on Chinese products entering the US, as well as the 125% tariffs on US products entering China, would not be permanent.

“We’re going to be fine,” said Trump, as quoted by Bloomberg on Tuesday, in response to Bessent’s comments on the direction of the tariff war. (KR/ZH)