Aug. 9-12: Trump wavers on trade talks with China (-0.66%)

“We’re not ready to make a deal, but we’ll see what happens,” the president says, when asked about trade talks scheduled for early September. Stock market losses continue, with the S&P declining 1.2% when the market opens the following Monday (Aug. 12).

Aug. 14: Recession talk ramps up (-2.93%)

Trump stokes fears of the inverted yield curve and lays the blame at the Federal Reserve’s feet. The S&P 500 falls almost 86 points.

Aug. 23: The president “orders” US companies to find alternatives (-2.59%)

Uncertainty abounds as Trump lashes out at the Fed chair yet again. The White House’s short-term strategy remains confusing, with Chinese imports potentially put in jeopardy. Trump continues his diatribe even after the markets close:

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.