📈 Trump Tariffs Tip ASX into Chaos

Cyber Startups Get Their Big Break

April 07, 2025

In partnership with

This is Cliff Equity, the UK’s business newsletter that keeps you informed on what’s important in tech, business and finance in less than 5 minutes

In today’s stories:

  • Trump Tariffs Tip ASX into Chaos

  • Cyber Startups Get Their Big Break

  • Government Eases EV Targets, Petrol Cars Get Pass

The summary: Markets had a bit of a wobble as Trump’s tariff antics spooked investors, rattled the ASX, sank the Aussie dollar, and made your super feel a touch lighter – but hey, at least rare earths had a cracking day!

The details:

  • ASX 200 faceplants $100bn — Australia’s share market had a proper wobble, plunging over 4% in a single day thanks to Trump’s latest “liberation day” tariff tantrum. The last time it fell this hard, people were still baking sourdough in lockdown.

  • Global trade war déjà vu — With China and the EU dusting off their retaliation playbooks, investors are bracing for a full-blown trade tiff that could drag us all into a recession. Charming.

  • Nothing was safe, except rare earths — Banks, miners, and energy stocks all took a beating. Only a smattering of critical mineral companies saw gains, thanks to China flexing its export controls.

  • The Aussie dollar took a nosedive too — Dropped to Covid-era lows against just about every currency. Great news if you’re paid in USD; terrible if you fancy a European holiday anytime soon.

Why it matters: Investors are running for the hills as Trump’s tariff tirade threatens to kick off a global trade war, dragging markets – and everyone’s pension pots – down with it. With Australia tightly hitched to China’s economic wagon, any slowdown there hits harder than a hangover on a Monday. Meanwhile, the Aussie dollar’s slump means your overseas holiday just got pricier – better start loving local.

Global payroll complexity? Here’s the playbook.

Managing global payroll shouldn’t mean juggling vendors and compliance risks. Deel, recognized in the Gartner® Market Guide for Multicountry Payroll Solutions, helps finance teams automate payments, standardize reporting, and stay compliant in 100+ countries. Get key insights from industry experts to future-proof your payroll strategy.

The summary: Osney Capital’s cracking new £50m fund is backing brilliant UK cyber startups with the cash and clout they need to take on global threats, boost national security, and put Britain at the top of the digital defence game.

The details:

  • Mind the (funding) gap: Early-stage UK cybersecurity startups have been crying out for proper backing. Osney Capital has answered the call, raising over £50m for the UK's first dedicated cyber seed fund — finally giving innovation a fighting chance.

  • A crack team and cracking mission: With backing from the British Business Bank, national security honchos, and US investors, Osney isn’t just throwing money around — they’re strategically hunting the next wave of UK cyber champions from their HQ in… Witney (yes, really).

  • Follow the (smart) money: Expect investments from £250k to £2.5m into 30 clever startups tackling everything from AI threat detection to ransomware resilience. Early bets like MindGard and Sitehop show this lot know their malware from their elbow.

  • National security meets venture savvy: Cybersecurity isn’t just tech anymore — it’s the frontline of national defence and digital sovereignty. Osney’s fund is as much about protecting the UK’s future as it is about growing tomorrow’s unicorns. Rule Britannia… securely

Why it matters: Cyber threats are growing faster than your nan’s rose bushes, and without proper backing, brilliant UK cyber brains risk withering on the vine. Osney Capital’s fund gives these early-stage startups the rocket fuel (and savvy advice) they need to fend off hackers, ransomware, and regulatory nightmares. It’s a blend of national defence, digital ambition, and good old-fashioned British grit — minus the trench coat and magnifying glass.

The summary: The government’s giving UK carmakers a bit of breathing room on EV targets, throwing cash at chargers and tax breaks, while letting luxury brands keep their petrol engines purring until 2035 — all to dodge Trump’s tariff tantrum.

The details:

  • EV Targets Loosened (Just a Bit): The government’s eased up on electric vehicle sales targets and fines — still aiming for a 2030 petrol/diesel ban, but giving carmakers more wiggle room (and slightly less financial spanking).

  • Tariff Tantrums: Trump’s slapped a 25% tariff on UK car imports (plus a cheeky 10% on most other goods), giving UK carmakers a proper headache — prompting this rapid policy U-turn from Westminster.

  • Money for Motors: Keir Starmer's throwing £2.3 billion at tax breaks and charging points to help us all plug in — plus cutting those nasty £15k-per-car fines to a still-bracing £12k.

  • Critics Cry ‘Not Enough’: Tories say it’s “half-baked,” Lib Dems want better EV incentives, and Jaguar Land Rover’s so miffed it’s pausing US exports — meanwhile, Aston Martin gets to keep making petrol guzzlers like it’s still the 90s.

Why it matters: The UK’s trying to juggle going green with keeping its car industry from skidding off a cliff, especially now Uncle Sam’s slapped on tariffs like it’s going out of fashion. Ministers are easing off the accelerator on EV targets so carmakers don’t stall entirely — while flinging billions at chargers and tax breaks to keep the electric dream alive. Meanwhile, Aston Martin and pals get a petrol-powered hall pass, proving once again that some rules bend more easily for those in fast cars and tailored suits.

How would you rate today's edition:

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.