CHINA/ECONOMY/FOREIGN POLICY/OIL/TRADE WAR/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump is fretting about two rising global challenges that threaten a political gut punch as he gears up for his 2020 election bid — a possible oil price hike and market shocks triggered by his trade wars. Both crises will test Trump’s capacity to work his will on the world stage as well as the strategic viability of his ‘America First’ foreign policy. A tariff battle with China is highlighting a growing great power rivalry. And Russia’s role as a top energy producer with a vested interest in setting global oil prices could open new fronts in a widening confrontation between Washington and Moscow. The Dow sild 450 points at Thursday’s [12-6-18] open amid doubts about the US-China truce. Trade fears are being amplified by the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Huawei and daughter of the Chinese company’s founder. China-sensitive stocks such as Apple and Boeing fell 3%. The President’s Twitter account is usually a reliable guide to his frustrations and grievances, and apart from a tribute to George H.W. Bush on the day of his funeral, Trump’s feed pulsated with concern Wednesday [12-5-18] about market moving events.”
–Stephen Collinson, “Trump fears political price from oil spike, market turmoil,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, December 5, 2018 4:04 pm