Britons Warned Over ‘Eco-Plugs’ as Markets React to Trump’s Remarks
Date: April 23, 2025
In a day marked by significant financial news, Britons have been cautioned not to purchase "eco-plugs" being sold online, while global stock markets are experiencing a rebound following comments from former President Donald Trump regarding U.S. economic policies.
Warning on Eco-Plugs
A recent investigation by consumer advocacy group Which? has uncovered a troubling trend concerning the online sale of so-called "eco-plugs." Despite being recalled multiple times for safety violations, these devices continue to be widely available for purchase on major online marketplaces, including AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop.
The plugs, marketed as energy-saving devices that claim to stabilize voltage and optimize the performance of household appliances, were tested by Which? and failed to demonstrate any of their advertised capabilities. Furthermore, the inspection revealed alarming safety concerns, including excessive lead content, which exceeds the regulatory limits due to potential health hazards.
Notably, product reviews from buyers have echoed these findings, with one reviewer on Amazon describing the eco-plug as "nothing but a scam." This has led to increased scrutiny of the platforms selling these products. While Amazon, eBay, Shein, and others have stated that they prioritize consumer safety and take immediate action to remove unsafe products, Which? noted that many identical devices have reappeared for sale weeks after being flagged.
Market Rebound Following Trump’s Backtrack
Meanwhile, financial markets around the globe have responded positively to Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding U.S. economic policy, particularly his threat to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell. Trump indicated last night that the final tariff rates on Chinese imports would be reduced "substantially" from the current 145% and stepped back from previous comments labeling Powell a "major loser" for not cutting interest rates adequately.
This reassurance regarding the Federal Reserve’s independence sparked a relief rally on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite each rose by 2.7% by the end of trading, effectively erasing the losses incurred the day before. Asian markets mirrored this upward trajectory, with the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong closing up by 2.2%. In Europe, the FTSE 100 opened 1.2% higher.
Despite this positive movement, analysts have cautioned that the market gains may be temporary. Concerns linger over the ongoing trade war and recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections forecasting significant global economic challenges.
Additional Financial Insights
In addition to the trending news, Sky News’ Money Blog continues to provide valuable insights and resources for consumers, including a newly updated Savings Guide that outlines the benefits of Treasury-backed savings. Moreover, discussions around consumer rights in cases of cancelled flights and tips to secure better mobile deals are gaining attention.
As the financial landscape evolves, consumers are urged to remain vigilant about the safety and integrity of products they purchase online, as well as to stay informed about market movements influenced by political developments.
For those interested in exploring these topics further, resources on personal finance and consumer rights can be accessed through the Smart Money Mindset.
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