Commodities

Asian shares posted steep declines Friday, adding to global stock market losses after President Donald Trump vowed to impose stiff steel and aluminum tariffs, sparking fears of a trade war.

President Donald Trump is defending the U.S. steel and aluminum industries as he faces deadlines on whether to impose tariffs or quotas on imports of both products.

U.S. stock indexes joined a worldwide slide Thursday, as investors wait to see if Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will again move markets with his testimony before Congress.

U.S. stocks dove in another dizzying day of trading after President Donald Trump promised stiff tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which raised the threat of escalating retaliation by other countries and higher inflation.

The latest on developments in financial markets (all times local): 9:35 a.m.

Asian shares were mixed Thursday as sentiments got initially dragged down by a slide on Wall Street, but Chinese benchmarks later recovered on optimism for growth.

U.S. stocks rose in early trading on Wednesday to claw back some of their sharp losses from the prior day, when speculation about a more aggressive Federal Reserve rattled markets.

___ Defying the NRA, Dick's takes a harder line against guns NEW YORK (AP) —Dick's Sporting Goods will immediately stop selling assault-style rifles and ban the sale of all guns to anyone under 21, the company said Wednesday, as its CEO took on the National Rifle Association by demanding tougher gun laws after the massacre in Florida.

Oil in January topped $71 a barrel for the first time since 2014, and was trading above $66 on Wednesday. Still, OPEC says supply restraints should be maintained to ensure the end of a glut that has built up since 2014.

Asian shares slid in subdued trading Wednesday after the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve said that he's feeling more optimistic about the economy.

Stocks and bonds held relatively steady in early trading on Tuesday, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index was wavering between small gains and losses.

Tokyo stocks finished higher but other markets in Asia were mixed on Tuesday ahead of the Federal Reserve chair's testimony at U.S. Congress later in the day, his first public appearance as chair of the Fed.

WASHINGTON — When Jerome Powell testifies to Congress on Tuesday in his first public appearance as chairman of the Federal Reserve, investors will be paying close attention to his every word.

Stocks climbed again on Monday as markets around the world continue to claw back from their sharp tumble last month.

The latest on developments in financial markets (all times local): 9:35 a.m.

___ Fed expects economic gains to prompt gradual rate hikes WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve says it expects that the ongoing strength of the U.S. economy will warrant further gradual increases in interest rates this year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP are leading technology companies higher and banks are also rising as US indexes climb in early trading on Wall Street Friday.

The latest on developments in financial markets (all times local): 9:35 a.m.

___ Ford names Lincoln chief to replace ousted N. American head DETROIT (AP) — A veteran Ford Motor Co. executive who was leading the Lincoln luxury brand has been picked to lead North American operations, replacing an executive who was ousted this week over allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Technology companies and banks helped drive U.S. stocks broadly higher in early trading Thursday.