Trump Says Rate Hike Won't Reassure Bond Market

Summary

President Trump reiterates his call for much lower Federal Reserve rates, saying the current near-4% level is too high and that rates should be around 0.5% to 1%. He also threatens possible US trade cutoffs with deficit-running partners including the EU, Mexico, and Canada, arguing the US would be better off. He singles out Canada as especially vulnerable because it relies on the US for about 95% of its business.

• Trump says a rate hike would not reassure the bond market and argues for rate cuts.
• He believes US rates should be around 0.5% to 1%, not 4%.
• He claims the US loses $200 billion a year trading with the European Union.
• He says Mexico has little the US needs and cites a $195 billion annual deficit.
• He warns cutting trade with Canada would be devastating for Canada.
• He says Canada does 95% of its business with the US.