Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the US had reached trade agreements with Cambodia and Thailand, days after the Southeast Asian neighbors agreed to a ceasefire at Trump’s urging https://t.co/graTK1XPK4 ...

US Economic Policy & Federal Reserve - The meeting between President Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell at the Federal Reserve was a rare occurrence, highlighting the ongoing pressure from the White House on the Fed [4][6][7][8] - President Trump criticized the Federal Reserve's building renovations, claiming the cost had risen from 2.7% to 3.1% billion, which Powell fact-checked in real time [1][2][9] - The President's team has been focusing on the Federal Reserve renovation budget overruns, which started in 2017, as a line of attack [9] - There's a shift in the administration's messaging, with less emphasis on firing Jerome Powell and more focus on his successor, potentially indicating a more sober approach [12][14] Trade Agreements & Economic Data - The US administration aims to finalize trade agreements with the EU and India before the August 1st deadline [16][17] - Key economic data, including GDP and jobs data, will be released next week, providing insights into the impact of the trade war on the US economy [18] - The political fallout from the trade war and the reaction to the President's strategic approach are being closely monitored [19][20]

>> THIS IS "BALANCE OF POWER." LIVE FROM WASHINGTON, D. C. JOE: FROM BLOOMBERG'S WASHINGTON TV STUDIOS TO OUR WORLD RADIO AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE, WELCOME TO "BALANCE OF POWER." ALONGSIDE TYLER KENDALL, I'M JOINED MATT -- JOE MATHIEU.THE PRESIDENT OPTIMISTIC ON HIS QUEST FOR TRADE DEALS. >> WE ARE CLOSE TO FINISHING THE TRADE DEAL. WE DO A LOT OF BUSINESS WITH YOU, IT IS A LOT OF INCOME COMING IN FOR BOTH GROUPS.JOE: THE DEVELOPMENT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TONIGHT AFTER THE PRESIDENT'S SIT DOWN WITH THE PHILIPPINE ...

Investment Rating - The report indicates a tactical escalation in tariffs, with the overall effective tariff rate expected to rise to 21-22%, which may lead to stagflationary shocks and increased recession probabilities [57]. Core Insights - Tariffs are being used as a tool for negotiation, with the US administration focused on reducing goods trade deficits while not perceiving substantial risks from tariff escalations [57]. - The weighted average tariff rate on Asia could rise to 27% and above, but it is anticipated that most large economies in Asia will reach trade agreements before August 1 [57][11]. - The implications for the copper market are significant, with a 50% tariff on copper expected to negatively impact LME copper while benefiting COMEX copper [57][27]. - The US economy may experience a stagflationary shock due to the announced tariffs, with inflation expected to remain above 2% for an extended period [57]. Summary by Sections Tariff Implications - The report highlights that the US is exploring its negotiating space through tactical tariff escalations, with current levels remaining below earlier fears [57]. - The potential for tariffs to rise on select sectors, particularly semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, remains a concern [16][57]. Trade Negotiations - Current trade negotiations involve several countries, with key issues such as agricultural access and tariff reductions on automobiles still unresolved [15][57]. - The report suggests that if agreements are not reached by the deadline, tactical tariff increases may occur, impacting trade dynamics [16][57]. Economic Outlook - The report anticipates a slowdown in capital goods imports and exports over the next 2-3 months, indicating potential economic drag [17]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring Asia's export price index for signs of tariff burden sharing and its effect on corporate profit margins [19][57].

The EU is looking to deepen trade agreements with India and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region as the bloc braces for US tariffs, a top official said https://t.co/xZ9Y7uoY4I ...

Company Overview - Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS) shares increased by 6.3% to close at $200.71, with notable trading volume exceeding typical levels [1] - The stock has gained 10.5% over the past four weeks, indicating positive momentum [1] Market Sentiment - Broader market optimism regarding potential trade agreements and expectations of earlier interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve has positively influenced investor sentiment towards finance stocks [2] - Investors are seeking better investment options for higher yields, which is expected to lead to inflows for asset managers, positively impacting their revenues [2] Earnings Expectations - Virtus is projected to report quarterly earnings of $6.17 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.5% [3] - Expected revenues for the upcoming quarter are $188.7 million, down 7.1% from the same quarter last year [3] Earnings Estimate Trends - The consensus EPS estimate for Virtus has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, suggesting that stock price movements may not sustain without trends in earnings estimate revisions [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook [4] Industry Comparison - Virtus operates within the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry, where SEI Investments (SEIC) also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has seen a 7.7% return over the past month [4][5] - SEI's consensus EPS estimate has increased by 2.9% over the past month, reflecting a year-over-year change of 9.5% [5]

China firmly opposes any countries reaching trade agreements with the US that would sacrifice Chinese interests in exchange for tariff relief, the Ministry of Commerce said https://t.co/o8eNFvRE8l ...