European markets await new developments on Brexit and US-China trade relations optimism regarding a resolution to the trade conflict between the US and China, which could see European stock markets grow. In other news, market insiders have been demonstrating reduced appetite as stocks undergo somewhat of a correction. Investors are choosing to err on the side of caution until they hear the experts' verdict on the current US-China trade talks. The two countries now have just two weeks left in which to reach a decision before the new higher import tariffs come into effect on 1 March.
In the meantime, President Donald Trump has already stated publicly that the 1 March deadline for the introduction of new US tariffs on Chinese products could be postponed in the event that a bilateral agreement is close. Such comments are naturally contributing to increased investor optimism across the world. There was some good news for the European markets, too, in the form of rumors claiming Trump is now prepared to sign off on Congress's budget compromise. The budget includes provisions for the construction of an 88-km-long fence along the US's southern border, allocating $1.4 billion to the project as opposed to the $5.7 originally demanded by Trump. Meanwhile, the issue of Brexit remains the main focus of European investors. The United Kingdom's planned departure from the European Union on 29 March is now just six weeks away and, with no final deal in place, investors appear very restless as they react sharply to any Brexit-related news.