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Global Trade in Flux: Nations Scramble to Negotiate Trump's Tariffs

The Trump administration has revealed that over 50 countries have approached the White House to discuss the sweeping tariffs announced earlier this month. These tariffs, set to take effect on Wednesday, have sparked global economic uncertainty and fears of a recession.  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that resolving unfair trade practices would require time and credible offers from affected nations. Meanwhile, President Trump remains steadfast, urging Americans to "hang tough" as he pursues his vision of economic realignment.  Countries like Vietnam and Israel are actively seeking negotiations, with Vietnam proposing to eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods in exchange for concessions. Allies and adversaries alike are grappling with the implications of these tariffs, which have disrupted financial markets and strained international relations.  The administration's move has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the bold stance on trade and others warning of infla...

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US Markets Slip as Earnings Pour In Ahead of Fed Rate Decision

 

Wall Street limped early Tuesday with corporate earnings rolling in and the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision imminent. 

Futures for the S&P 500 and futures for the Dow Jones industrials each slipped less than 0.2% before the bell. UPS tumbled more than 7% after the package delivery company unexpectedly dialed back expectations for the year. General Motors climbed nearly 8% as the automaker’s profit and sales rose by double-digit percentages last year. Microsoft, Google and Starbucks report their latest financial results after the bell Tuesday. Also Tuesday, the US reports on job openings for November and the Conference Board releases consumer confidence data for January. 

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will make its next decision on what to do with interest rates. Most expect the Fed will no make any changes, but there is hope that it may cut rates in March. That would be the first downward move since the Fed began dramatically raising interest rates two years ago to get inflation under control. 

There is a lot of evidence suggesting that the Fed may be able to pull off a so-called economic “soft landing” after a period of accelerated inflation. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge cooled further last month even as the economy kept growing briskly, a trend sure to be welcomed at the White House as President Joe Biden seeks re-election in a race that could pivot on his economic stewardship. On Friday, the U.S. government will release its monthly jobs report. Economists expect continued growth in hiring, but at a cooler pace. That’s exactly what the Fed wants to see after surging U.S. growth contributed to rising prices.


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