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Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day

Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day

Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day
Trucks wait in line as shipping containers stand in a terminal at the Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai, China, on Friday, March 23, 2018. The trade conflict between China and the U.S. escalated, with Beijing announcing its first retaliation against metals levies hours after President Donald Trump outlined fresh tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports and pledged there’s more on the way. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) --

U.S. President Donald Trump halts plan to impose tariffs on Mexico. Up to a million people march in Hong Kong to protest extradition law. United Technologies agrees to buy Raytheon.

Mexican Deal

President Donald Trump announced late Friday that he wouldn’t impose a sliding scale of tariffs on goods from Mexico — from 5% to 25% over time — after that nation agreed to take a tougher stance on immigration, which was his goal all along. Trump on Saturday tweeted that Mexico will also buy “large quantities” of agricultural products, a stipulation that wasn’t included in a joint statement. The peso climbed. However, three Mexican officials said they were unaware of a side accord in the works, and that agricultural trade hadn’t been discussed during three days of negotiations in Washington.

G-20 Warning

The G-20 warned of escalating hazards from trade and geopolitical tensions. Finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Japan made little progress in addressing the main threat of tit-for-tat tariffs, noting that while growth appears to be stabilizing, it "remains low and risks remain tilted to the downside."

Hong Kong Protests

Up to a million people marched in Hong Kong protesting against legislation easing extraditions to China, increasing pressure on the Beijing-backed government. The demonstrators, many chanting for Chief Executive Carrie Lam's resignation, choked central city boulevards. Skirmishes broke out after dark, prompting riot police to use pepper spray and batons.

Defense Giant

United Technologies agreed to buy Raytheon in an all-stock deal, forming an aerospace and defense giant with $74 billion in sales. The new entity will be called Raytheon Technologies, with the combination taking place in the first half of 2020 after United Technologies' planned spinoff of its Otis elevator and Carrier air-conditioner businesses.

Market Boost

Asia stocks looked set for gains Monday and U.S. equity futures climbed after President Donald Trump suspended his plans for tariffs on Mexico. The yen retreated. Futures pointed higher in Australia and Japan, though slipped in Hong Kong. The dollar steadied. U.S. shares closed higher and Treasury yields dropped Friday after weak U.S. jobs data added to speculation the Federal Reserve will ease rates. Oil climbed. 

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To contact the editor responsible for this story: Alex Millson at amillson@bloomberg.net

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