New York: US stocks suffered the worst week of 2019 as investors fretted over Donald Trump’s escalation of his trade war with China. Treasuries rose, while the yen strengthened.
The S&P 500 fell for a fifth straight day, its steepest weekly loss since December’s sell-off. Trade angst recaptured centre stage after Trump said Thursday he’d slap more tariffs on Chinese goods, adding to worries that the spat could derail the global economy. China vowed it would counter the threat. The president ratcheted up his rhetoric late on Friday, saying he could boost the levies to a “much higher number.” Stocks were already under pressure after investors groused that the first Federal Reserve rate cut in a decade didn’t come with assurances of further easing.
Ten-year Treasury yields held near the lowest level since 2016 after the July US jobs report did little to alter views on the economy and path for future rate policy. The dollar was lower against most major currencies.
