Trade continues to be the main issue on the financial markets today. In a somewhat characteristic nature, Donald Trump made statements about China that can go either way. He said that a phase-one deal is practically ready and could be signed any moment now (which was good for the markets), but he also reiterated that the United States supports Hong Kong (which is not something China can stand for).
The US President has still not signed the bill that would make concluding a trade deal with the US conditional upon China handling the Hong Kong protests peacefully. The President may veto the bill, but then Congress could overrule the veto with a majority vote. If Trump decides not to take any action, the bill will automatically come into effect next week. It is unclear if China will pull away from the talks completely if the bill is signed into law.
Meanwhile, the run up to the general election in the United Kingdom has now reached the state where opposing candidates are attacking each other. Earlier today, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he has proof that Boris Johnson is negotiating selling the NHS to the United States in order to secure a trade relationship between the two countries after Brexit.
Many have speculated that the UK might try to warm up to the United States once it leaves the EU single market, and the NHS remains a core issue at every election, not just this one. But considering the problems with healthcare in the United States, selling the NHS to an American buyer is not something the British public wants to see.
