U.S. retail sales rose by 0.6% in August, surpassing expectations and driven in part by back-to-school shopping. Yet this positive trend unfolds against a backdrop of mounting tariffs, which are beginning to hurt job growth and drive up prices. Experts watch closely to see whether these gains can continue under ongoing trade pressures.

China’s exports to the United States dropped by 33% month-over-month in August, reflecting stronger tariff pressures and trade tensions. Although China’s overall exports maintained a 4.4% year-over-year increase, it fell short of the 5.0% forecast, fueling concerns about ongoing trade dynamics.

Economists at ING see Japan’s rising wages and resilient household spending as potential triggers for a Bank of Japan interest rate hike in October. While the increase in earnings boosts optimism for inflation, political uncertainties and tariff agreements continue to complicate the outlook.

The United States has doubled tariffs on many Indian goods to 50 percent, an increase tied to India’s purchase of Russian oil. This shift comes as President Donald Trump seeks to penalize New Delhi over its economic ties with Moscow.

President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, denouncing the ‘witch hunt’ trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro and signaling personal grievances influencing trade policies.

Global stocks fell sharply after President Trump announced new tariffs on countries including Japan and South Korea, sparking fears of escalating trade tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid over 400 points on Monday as investors reacted to the surprising move against key U.S. allies.

As the new trading month begins, stock futures have inched lower following an exceptional May that saw the S&P 500 achieve its best performance in three decades. Despite ongoing trade tensions and economic uncertainties, investors are cautiously optimistic about potential tariff relief.

Despite escalating tensions over trade and technology, the United States and China have agreed to maintain open lines of communication following a high-level diplomatic call. This development underscores the importance both nations place on managing their complex relationship.

As the United States and China enter a critical second day of tariff negotiations, hopes for a breakthrough remain slim despite President Trump’s claims of “great progress.” The ongoing trade tensions have seen both nations impose steep tariffs on each other’s imports, with significant economic implications at stake.

As trade tensions unsettle markets and cloud economic forecasts, the Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged. Despite pressure from President Trump, the Fed chooses caution, aiming to navigate economic uncertainty without altering monetary policy.