This week was marked by major financial and political developments. In the US, President Donald Trump enforced 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, ending previous exemptions and escalating trade tensions. Trump also threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol.
In Europe, Portugal's government collapsed after a no-confidence vote, while Greenland's opposition party Demokraatit won elections, renewing global interest in the island, which Trump expressed a desire to annex. Meanwhile, protests continued in Serbia fueled by public outrage over last year's train station collapse and Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Belgrade for talks with President Aleksandar Vucic. In Asia, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on ICC charges.
Geopolitical tensions also escalated on multiple fronts. North Korea launched ballistic missiles toward the Yellow Sea, while Russia intercepted Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, warning that continued attacks could undermine peace talks. President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to a ceasefire if it ensured long-term stability, but Western leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, insisted Russia must accept a US-proposed 30-day truce.
Cybersecurity concerns also made headlines after X experienced a major cyberattack, with Elon Musk stating that IPs traced to the "Ukraine area" were involved.
In business and markets, Klarna filed for an IPO in New York, while gold surged past $3,000 for the first time in history. Apple stock fell nearly 4%, reaching its lowest level since September. Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida announced he will step down on April 1, while Intel named Lip-Bu Tan as its next CEO. Meanwhile, Musk confirmed he will remain the head of Tesla and Trump purchased his electric car as a show of support to the company. SpaceX launched NASA's latest crew-swap mission to the ISS and revealed plans to send Tesla's Optimus robot to Mars in 2026.
In sports, the Formula One season officially began as McLaren's Lando Norris secured pole position for the Australian Grand Prix, setting the stage for an exciting year in racing.
The week ended with Trump confirming he ordered strikes against Yemen's Houthis, shortly after he signed a bill to prevent a government shutdown.