Gold prices edge lower; heading for weekly losses ahead of U.S.-Russia talks
Investing.com -- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has made a series of statements regarding international trade and currency policies. In a recent interview with CNBC, Bessent communicated that many countries have offered ’very good’ tariff proposals. He also indicated that the United States has a standardized trade deal template that it uses in these negotiations.
Bessent stated that all aspects of the U.S. government are in contact with China and that it is up to China to de-escalate the situation. He expressed a desire to avoid escalation with China and suggested that China might want to de-escalate as well.
The Treasury Secretary also mentioned that there have been substantial talks with allies in Japan and that India might be one of the first countries with which the U.S. signs a trade deal. He further commented on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s relationship with China, suggesting that China might be seen as an unreliable partner.
In terms of currency policy, Bessent confirmed that the U.S. maintains a strong dollar policy. He also predicted that the European Central Bank (ECB) will cut rates to bring the value of the euro down.
In a meeting with JPMorgan, Bessent clarified that he did not say anything new, maintaining the same stance on these issues, and he was surprised by the market’s positive response to his comments last week.