Politics

China president Xi reportedly held phone talks with Brazil president Lula

• That according to China's state media

Trump taps EJ Antoni to head BLS, sparking concerns over partisanship and expertise

• For markets, the key worry is the potential impact on the perceived reliability and integrity of the BLS’s data

Of soybeans and trade deals

• We've been down this road before

Taiwan says that tariff negotiations with US are still ongoing

• Trade talks are still continuing for many countries even past the 1 August deadline

Trump says hopes China will quickly x4 it orders for soybeans (quadruple)

• Says such an increase in orders would be a way China could trim its trade surplus (OK, he said deficit, but we know what he means)

Michigan Governor Whitmer tells Trump tariffs are hurting Michigan autos

• Tariffs damaging the very automotive industry he has pledged to protect

FT reports on Putin Trump meeting, Putin "has no intention of winding down the war"

• Putin not looking for an end to the war any time soon.

US eyes October deadline to seal trade deals. Canada, Mexico, Switzerland seek terms.

• Nikkei reports on an interview with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

India reportedly pauses plans to buy US arms as trade dispute rages on

• India is not happy with Trump's tariffs and will wait for more trade clarity before resuming US arms purchase discussions

Captain Obvious Bessent says Trump using tariffs as a foreign policy instrument

• AKA US Treasury Secretary Bessent

TACO time - Trump says Putin doesn’t have to agree to meet with Zelenskiy to meet with me

The White House says that Trump is about to make an major announcement about the economy

• Media have been called in to the Oval Office

US Bessent: Trade deals are largely done

• Remarks from the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent

Japan prime minister Ishiba insists that there is no discrepancy on 15% tariffs rate

• Ishiba reaffirms that the 15% tariffs will not be added to existing levies

Russia says that preparations for a Trump-Putin summit are already underway

• The Kremlin remarks that the summit could take place in the "coming days"