This week it was announced the current Federal Government Budget Deficit hit its highest level in 6 years. The combination of tax cuts, slower than expected economic growth, and increased spending accelerated the budget deficit at a rate alarming enough to lead even Republicans to call for cuts in spending.
The stock market is again on shaky ground as the Trump Administration is escalating the potential for a heated trade war with China. They announced the initial shots in March, which was matched by China with their own tariffs (even though China already charges heavy tariffs on US goods). Wall
Apparently in Congress, your opinion on the deficit changes based on whether or not your party controls the White House. In 2011 Republicans were willing to die on the hill of fiscal responsibility when President Obama asked for a debt ceiling increase. Democrats argued we needed to spend the money
2nd Quarter GDP growth again fell below expectations. While many market participants view this as good news as it may keep the Fed from raising rates in the near future, sooner or later the lack of growth should hurt stock prices.
The Fed assumes the economy will return to
