Greenland, tariffs, and tension: Markets and Europe brace for a week of global uncertainty [Video]

Ipek Ozkardeskaya Swissquote Bank Ltd

Week 3 of 2026 kicks off with another major twist: US wants to buy Greenland and it’s imposing tariffs on nations that are opposed to the idea, adding to Europe’s security concerns. While Europe has so far absorbed trade shocks calmly, selective pressure on only some countries could provoke very different reactions. Could this be the last drop in Europe’s patience?

Markets are already feeling the tension: gold and silver are climbing, tech-heavy Nasdaq futures are under pressure, and European defence stocks are benefiting from the darkening global skies. Meanwhile, Asian markets navigate mixed data and a fragile yen, while China and Korea show hints of turning tides.

With world leaders gathering in Davos, the stakes could not be higher.

Author

Ipek Ozkardeskaya

Swissquote Bank Ltd

Ipek Ozkardeskaya began her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked in HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

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