I saw my portfolio swing from a fat profit to a medium-sized loss back to a small profit, all thanks to President Bonespurs trying to talk up the U.S./China relationship and attempts to put some kind of trade “deal” together. Let’s break down these talking points:
*TRUMP: CHINA WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DEAL – of course they would! I’d like a deal too! I’d like to buy a new Ferrari! I don’t have to mention I’m willing to pay $1,000 for it. But I do want a deal.
*TRUMP: CHINA SENT LIST OF THINGS WILLING TO DO ON TRADE – so fucking what? “Here’s my list of demands!” Who cares?
*TRUMP: THINK WE WILL HAVE GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA – yeah, well, we DID.
*TRUMP SAYS MAY NOT HAVE TO DO MORE CHINESE TARIFFS – yeah, maybe! Maybe not! Could be! Or perhaps not!
*TRUMP: DON’T WANT TO PUT CHINA IN BAD POSITION – what else is he going to say in advance of discussions? That he WANTS them in a bad position?
*TRUMP: CHINA LIST PRETTY COMPLETE, FOUR OR FIVE THINGS LEFT OFF – no details at all. Just “pretty complete.” The sort of explanation a fifth grader might provide. (more…)