I returned from my summer break to find that President Trump continues to wield considerable influence over global markets, including commodities. In July, attention centered on intense trade negotiations ahead of the self-imposed August 1 deadline. While a framework deal was reached between the U.S. and EU, and talks with China continued ahead of the mid-August expiry of a 90-day tariff truce, other U.S. trading partners struggled to secure agreements. Despite these negotiations, markets experienced an eerie calm, allowing U.S. equities to extend their rally. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hit record highs, ... (full story)