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Tariff Turbulence: Trump Doubles Down on Steel and Aluminum Imports
In a late-night move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, igniting fresh concerns across global markets and manufacturing sectors.

Working in M&A, you move in lockstep with the rhythm of the economy — and right now, the beat is unmistakably marked by one word: uncertainty. Whether it’s political upheaval, interest rate turbulence, or shifting liquidity conditions, the current climate has many holding their breath.

But let’s be clear — the word isn’t recession. And that’s key.

Beneath the caution lies resilience. As dealmakers recalibrate, one thing is certain: where there is flux, there is opportunity. The bull may just be stretching its legs.

Just a day after a federal trade court blocked most of President Trump’s tariffs, they were reinstated—setting off a wave of uncertainty that could rattle global markets throughout the summer. While equity indexes rebounded on investor optimism, signs of deeper caution remain under the surface.

Salesforce seals the deal to acquire Informatica for $25/share, marking a major move in data management and integration. With voting control in hand via Permira and CPP Investments, and potential signals from Bank of America's Q1 positioning, the transaction is set to close early FY2027. This could reshape Salesforce's data ecosystem strategy — and shake up the broader cloud landscape.

Homelessness is a reflection of broader economic and social challenges. With over 223,000 households on social housing waiting lists in 2024, the crisis demands urgent action. By understanding these systemic drivers, we can advocate for lasting change, ensuring no Australian is left without shelter, especially on the coldest of nights.

We need your support to break the cycle of homelessness. https://lnkd.in/gTa7ms5y

Healthscope, one of Australia’s largest private hospital operators, is set to enter receivership after lenders, owed AUD 1.4bn, voted for the move following an unsuccessful sale process. Brookfield, Healthscope’s owner, handed control to lenders after defaulting on debt and rent payments, with only AUD 110m in cash available last week. While six of its 37 hospitals remain profitable, not-for-profit operators like St Vincent’s and Epworth are eyeing takeovers, potentially boosted by AUD 100m in annual EBITDA from payroll tax exemptions

Markets delivered a mixed bag this week, with tech stocks rebounding, bond yields climbing, and geopolitical and macroeconomic developments creating volatility. Investors appear cautiously optimistic, reallocating capital towards strength while hedging against fiscal and inflationary pressures.

With public company takeovers surging across the ASX—nearly $50 billion in deals and 70 bids in FY24 alone—Australian boards are under mounting pressure to be ready for anything. As IPOs slow and foreign capital becomes more aggressive, the importance of proactive takeover readiness is more vital than ever.

The conversation around workplace safety is evolving. With new Australian regulations, boards must now treat psychosocial risks—like stress, bullying, and workplace culture—with the same priority as physical hazards. This shift represents not just compliance, but a critical leadership challenge.

Morgan Stanley’s crypto pivot, mixed earnings from global giants, and a cautious but active M&A environment signal a market in motion. From Wall Street to local deals, volatility and innovation are shaping the current business landscape.

As the US dollar continues to slide under the Trump administration’s tariff-heavy policies, gold prices are surging and global markets are feeling the ripple effects. Investors are watching closely as de-dollarization gains traction and economic uncertainty deepens.

As geopolitical tensions intensify, Australian markets continue to navigate global uncertainty. The ongoing US-China trade war and revived tariffs have placed pressure on Asian dollar bonds and cast a shadow over tech IPOs globally. However, Australia’s venture capital market has seen a Q1 boost—particularly in AI and climate tech—despite rising sovereign risk.

Meanwhile, M&A activity remains strong: KKR finalised a $3.1b acquisition, Five V Capital and Macquarie Capital are advancing local deals, and interest in Australian gold assets heats up. With markets shifting quickly, investors are keeping a close eye on short selling trends, tech policy, and global capital flows.

Australia’s sharemarket experienced its strongest one-day surge in over a year, jumping 4.5% as investor confidence returned following a tariff pause by US President Donald Trump. All ASX sectors posted gains, led by tech, mining, and energy stocks, signaling a wave of optimism for markets and dealmakers alike.

Global markets are rattled as Trump-era tariff tensions return with force, dragging investor confidence, supply chains, and sentiment across sectors. Australia is not immune, with ripple effects hitting trade, consumer confidence, and the strategic direction of institutional investors.

Borrowers are increasingly turning to private debt over traditional bank solutions, drawn by faster execution, higher leverage, and customised terms. Meanwhile, valuation gaps between buyers and sellers are being addressed through deferred consideration mechanisms and expanded warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance coverage. Regulatory scrutiny from ASIC, AUSTRAC, and the ACCC continues to shape the M&A landscape, driving more sophisticated due diligence with a focus on technical and regulatory risks. Private equity (PE) deal volume and value are climbing, particularly in technology, healthcare, and energy, while renewable energy and carbon markets see a surge in activity amid shifting capital flows and regulatory uncertainty.

“Today, Gen AI is a competitive advantage. Tomorrow, it’ll be a requirement.” If you’re not exploring it yet, you’re not just behind – you’re risking being left in the dust.

Gold prices have surged once again, breaking records as investors brace for the economic impact of Trump’s incoming "Liberation Day" tariffs. The precious metal soared to $3,150.30 an ounce on Comex, marking a 10.6% gain for the month and a 19.3% rise for the quarter—its best performance since 1986. While some analysts predict further gains beyond $3,200, others warn that gold is now in a precarious zone, signaling a potential pullback.

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, determining a company's valuation is one of the most challenging—and critical—steps in the negotiation process. The complexities M&A professionals face in bridging valuation gaps, assessing intangible qualities, and navigating biases.

Sydney-based venture capital fund EVP has taken swift action following concerns over its recent $17 million investment in Melbourne startup StrongRoom AI. Within two weeks, EVP engaged legal and forensic accounting experts and notified law enforcement in efforts to recover the investment. The startup, valued at $70 million, specialises in medication management and patient engagement software, serving over 1,500 customers in Australia and the UK.