Global markets slide as fears over US tariffs intensify

STOCK MARKETS PLUNGED on Friday as a closely watched US inflation reading heated up amid intensifying concerns over fallout from President Donald Trump's incoming wave of tariffs. Shares in automakers fell further as they brace for 25% US tariffs due to kick in next week along with a raft of "reciprocal" surcharges tailored to different countries. The market mood has soured over fears that Trump's plans will trigger tit-for-tat measures that would rekindle inflation, which could put the brakes on interest rate cuts and spark a recession. Earlier today, Taoiseach Micheà¡l Martin said that the government's priority was defending Irish…