CNBC Daily Open: Investors endorse Trump’s Treasury secretary pick

This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe  here .

Markets rally
U.S. stocks saw a broad rally on Monday, with major indexes hitting record highs. In contrast to Wall Street, Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell on Tuesday. Japan's Nikkei 225 slid 1.38%, while mainland Chinese and Hong Kong markets hovered around the flatline.

Wall Street likes Bessent
Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Treasury secretary, has got a big thumbs up from the stock as well as bond markets. Wall Street strategists heaped praise on Bessent; global analysts also think Trump's pick is favorable for markets.

More tariffs on more countries
Trump vowed on Tuesday to raise tariffs on Chinese imports into the U.S. by an additional 10%, according to a post on Truth Social. In another post, Trump said he would implement a 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico and Canada. If that happens, Trump will end a trade deal between all three countries.

Safe haven appeal tarnished
Gold prices fell around 3% to $2,616.80 per ounce on Tuesday amid rising sentiment for stocks. Investors are in a risk-on mood because of Bessent's perceived friendliness to Wall Street and reports of Israel and Hezbollah moving closer to a cease-fire.

[PRO] Global stocks ripe for buybacks
Companies buy back stocks when they want to return excess capital to investors. Even though European equity markets have been "gloomy," focusing on stocks that have buyback potential has delivered "solid outperformance" over recent months, noted Barclays. For its buyback basket, the British bank listed 10