Trade-War Threats Weigh on the Market

Is a trade war about to bring out the worst in this stock market? So far, the strong economy and robust corporate earnings have been enough for the market to withstand a protectionist onslaught. But investors should expect the volatility to continue, and new market highs could be on hold for now.

The U.S. is currently at China could retaliate by imposing more tariffs of its own, as well as increasing scrutiny and regulation of American businesses seeking to operate in China and encouraging boycotts of U.S. goods. Europe, Canada and Mexico are part of the tariff wars, too. And U.S. auto imports are under separate threat. So far, a total of $300 billion worth of imports to the U.S. and $100 billion in U.S. exports are slated for higher tariffs, according to Moody's Analytics.