20/03/2026
Markets react to renewed threats from US President Donald Trump to terminate some trade ties with China over agricultural concerns.
The ongoing US government shutdown is entering its third week with no resolution in sight. The Senate returns today and is expected to vote again on a House-passed measure to fund the government.
Markets adopt a cautious stance to begin the week after United States (US) President Donald Trump announced late Friday that the US will impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports.
The US government shutdown continues, with Democrats and Republicans failing to make any progress on reopening the government, and the Senate will not return until Tuesday.
The focus today is entirely on central bank officials, including Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell, who will deliver welcoming remarks at the Community Bank Conference via a pre-recorded video. Fed Governor Michelle Bowman, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, and Fed Governor Michael Barr will also be speaking.
The US Dollar (USD) is extending its rebound midweek, with the USD Index climbing to its highest level since early August near 99.00. This strength comes from increased safe-haven demand due to political developments in Japan and France.