What Happened in Markets Today Copper prices—and mining stocks—rose after Trump confirmed a 50% tariff on the metal will take effect Aug. 1. Prices for the [metal hit record highs](

President Trump is amping up trade threats, again unveiling a new batch of letters to country leaders outlining tariffs on goods imported from their countries beginning in August and a warning to BRICS nations.

Brazil avoided Trump's tariffs until Wednesday, when Trump threatened to slap 50% tariffs on Brazil imports into the US.

US President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff Wednesday targeting Brazil as he blasted the trial of the country’s ex-leader, and said a US “national security” levy on copper would begin in August.

Stock indexes edged higher on Thursday, with investors weighing the latest trade announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump, while the Brazilian real recovered some losses following Trump's announcement of a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil.

Copper is used in a wide variety of products from electronics, wiring, machinery and cars. The U.S. produces a majority of the copper it uses but still imports large quantities, primarily from