Stock markets were in a tentative mood this morning as traders anticipated the signing of a long-awaited trade deal between China and the US. President Trump promised last month that the US would sign a “very large and comprehensive” phase one agreement with China on January 15. The contents of the deal are not yet known but it is expected to reduce tariffs and increase American agricultural and manufacturing exports. The FTSE 100 was up 0.4 per cent mid-morning but by lunchtime was down 0.25 ber cent at 7,598. Markets in Germany and France were also trading lower.

Source: The Times January 14, 2020 12:22 UTC