By Joshua Cummings, CFA
Consumer Research Analyst Joshua Cummings explains what really spooked markets about the recent escalation of the U.S.-China trade conflict.
Markets reacted negatively - and for good reason - to last week's news that the Trump administration would introduce tariffs on most of the Chinese exports not already included in earlier rounds of the trade dispute. This latest round consists of products catering most directly to consumers and, given that personal consumption comprises roughly 70% of the U.S. economy, this one may hurt.
While there is likely never an opportune time to