A prominent figure remains defiant amid escalating trade tensions, unsettling global markets with fears of a severe downturn and prompting observers to draw parallels with past major economic crises.

Global markets have been rattled by newly imposed duties on goods, with businesses warning of higher costs, possible economic slowdowns, and heightened uncertainty in international trade.

A collaborative financial framework is being proposed by the UK to boost defence stockpiles, provide favourable borrowing rates through state guarantees, and strengthen industrial capacity across supportive European partners.

Investors are increasingly turning to gold as a defensive move against anticipated tariff measures from the US, pushing prices to notable highs amid widespread economic anxiety.