Insights: Macro

Reciprocal Trade Negotiations and Sectoral Tariffs

The U.S. and EU this morning made a joint statement on the terms of the trade deal they had preliminarily reached in July. U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Greer said earlier this month that his emphasis is on finalizing terms of various preliminary deals rather than striking new deals, though they were welcomed. Treasury Secretary Bessent that...

Russian Oil Tariffs/Sanctions

President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India related to its purchases of Russian energy products. He has said in recent weeks that he would use tariffs and sanctions to coerce Russia to negotiate an end to its war against Ukraine. Unnamed White House officials have reportedly signaled that tariffs on other countries are expected to be imposed...

In anticipation of tomorrow’s deadline, President Trump has announced that “reciprocal trade” deals have been reached with all top trading partners other than China, India, Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan. Lower-level negotiations are ongoing to fill in the details of these deals and legal text is likely to emerge within a couple of weeks as occurred...

FY26 Appropriations and Recissions

The Senate is this week taking its initial steps to pass FY26 appropriations legislation (i.e., annually allocated funding for government operations, grants, loans, etc.), with a focus on Military Construction/VA, Agriculture, Commerce/State/Justice, and Legislative Branch. Appropriations bills need to pass the Senate on a bipartisan (60+ vote)...

Russia Tariffs and Sanctions

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Thune said he will not advance Russia sanctions legislation after President Trump committed to use his existing authorities to punish Russia if it does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine by 9/2. This is a shift in position from last week when both Thune and Speaker Johnson, with the backing of the...

Criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Powell

President Trump and his team have in the last few days materially increased their criticism of Fed Chair Powell, arguing that he has waited too long to lower interest rates and that he has not properly managed renovations of the Fed’s headquarters buildings. Trump has reiterated that he does not intend to fire Powell, but the White House appears...