Stocks in the US edged higher on Monday, kicking off June with gains despite rising global trade tensions. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% and the Nasdaq gained 0.7%, while the Dow added 35 points. Tensions between the US and China reignited after Beijing pushed back against US accusations of violating a tariff truce, blaming Washington instead. Markets are watching for a potential call this week between President Trump and China’s President Xi, which could prove pivotal for trade clarity. Meanwhile, Trump’s plan to double steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% rattled the EU, which warned the move undermines negotiations. Steel stocks surged on the tariff hike, including Nucor (10.1%), Steel Dynamics (10.3%), and Cleveland-Cliffs (23.2%), while automakers like Ford and GM slid 3.8% each. Tesla shares fell 1.1% after May sales declined in key European markets. Meanwhile, US manufacturing data showed continued contraction, as investors await May jobs data for signs of trade-related economic impact.