Enjoying it.

US Federal Reserve "officials voted unanimously to keep the benchmark federal funds rate in a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, where it has been since December. In a statement, policymakers said they see a growing risk of both higher inflation and rising unemployment." "China's services activity deteriorated more than expected in April, a private survey showed," "With the official PMIs showing factory activity took a hit from massive US tariffs in April." ET. "Chinese exports to the US plunged in April, as steep tariffs on China make it too costly for many US-based retailers to import goods from the country." "As a result, shipments of goods from China to the US in April dropped 21% compared with the same period one year earlier." CBS. "China's consumer deflation extended for a third month in April," as "The consumer price index fell 0.1% from a year earlier," and "Factory deflation persisted for a 31st month, with the producer price index recording a decline of 2.7% compared to 2.5% in March." ET. "China is biding its time ahead of planned trade talks with the United States." "Moreover, economic planners will probably stick to their budget deficit of 4% of GDP this year - the highest on record - given the central government's weakening fiscal position." "Notably, global ratings agency Fitch downgraded China's sovereign rating last month, citing rapidly rising government debt and risks to public finances." Reuters. "Worker protests over unpaid wages are increasing throughout China, reflecting a surge in dissatisfaction among millions impacted by factory closures due to hefty US tariffs on Chinese imports amidst an economic slump." Analysts at Goldman Sachs "have estimated that at least 15 million jobs across various sectors in China are at risk due to President Trump's implementation of a 145% tariff on Chinese imports." ET. New data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows "California's gross domestic product (GDP) hit $4.10 trillion in 2024, surpassing Japan, which was marked at $4.01 trillion. The state now only trails Germany, China and the US as a whole." BBC. "India will be the world's third-largest economy by 2028...Morgan Stanley said." "From a USD 3.5 trillion economy in 2023, the Indian economy is projected to expand to USD 4.7 trillion in 2026, which will make it the fourth largest in the world behind the US, China and Germany." ET. What if California becomes larger than that, should we just ignore it? Earlier this month, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House. US President Donald Trump said that Canada becoming a part of the US would be a "wonderful marriage". But Carney said, "It's not for sale, it won't be for sale - ever." At which Trump said, "Never say never, never say never." Reuters. Whether it is serious or merely tongue in cheek (wikipedia), Trump surely knows how to send people nuts. Leaders and entire countries. Probably enjoys it too.