US equity markets are closed for Martin Luther King Day, but investors are continuing to signal concern over Donald Trump’s escalating tariff rhetoric.
Risk aversion was evident in futures trading, with Nasdaq 100 futures down 1.4%, S&P 500 futures down 1.0%, and Dow Jones futures down 0.8%.
Safe-haven assets benefited from the heightened uncertainty. Gold and silver surged to fresh record highs as fears of a renewed global trade war drove defensive positioning.
Gold rose as much as 2.1% to trade close to $4,700 an ounce, underlining its appeal as a store of value. Silver outperformed, jumping 5.3% to above $93 an ounce, as investors sought protection from rising geopolitical and economic risks.
Defence companies have emerged as the primary beneficiaries of escalating geopolitical tensions this year, as investors anticipate significant increases in military spending.
Shares in BAE Systems have climbed more than 22% since the start of the year, which began with the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Defence stocks across the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 have already gained around 15% in 2026, extending a rally that began with the outbreak of war in Ukraine four years ago. Since Russia’s invasion, BAE Systems shares have risen by 253%.
The dollar continued to weaken on Monday, down 0.23% against a basket of major currencies, as investors maintained a cautious stance.
Other traditional safe-haven assets moved higher, with the Swiss franc strengthening amid the risk-off tone. The euro gained around 0.3% against the dollar to $1.163, while sterling remained firmer, up roughly 0.2% at $1.3415.
