US/China "self-inflicted wounds that must be avoided"
The IMF is out with comments about growth, tariffs. They say:
- Global growth slowdown may have bottomed out, with some firming in growth projections for 2020
- Global growth outlook vulnerable to trade tensions ,Brexit, uncertain recoveries in Argentina and Turkey
- If global growth falters, policymakers should act in coordinated fashion with decisively eased monetary policy, stimulus in countries with fiscal space
- GDP loss from US – China tariffs could reach $455 billion, larger than South Africa's annual economic output
- IMFs Lagarde says escalating US-China tariffs are "self-inflicted wounds that must be avoided". Trade barriers should be reversed
- current and contemplated US-China Terrace could reduce global GDP growth by 0.5% in 2020
The IMF comments are typically not market moving.