Trade War Not Over, U.S. Tax Refunds, China Trims Goals: Eco Day

(Bloomberg) -- Welcome to Tuesday, Americas. Here’s the latest news and analysis from Bloomberg Economics to help get your day started:

• The U.S. has confirmed the country is postponing “until further notice” a scheduled tariff increase on Chinese goods, the latest sign that the world’s two largest economies could be headed toward a de-escalation of their trade dispute
  • But even as the two nations near the finish line on a deal, the trade war isn’t over
  • President Donald Trump has announced he plans to end key trade preferences for India and Turkey, in the latest move by the U.S. to counter what it calls unfair trade practices
• Tax refunds are the biggest windfall of the year for many Americans, often helping to keep bank balances elevated for months after payment, a JPMorgan Chase Institute study shows
• The American dream of homeownership is alive and within reach, even to those with modest household income, if they happen to live in Minneapolis, Pittsburgh or St. Louis
• China lowered its goal for economic growth and announced a major tax cut, as policy makers seek to pull off a gradual deceleration while grappling with a debt legacy and the trade standoff with the U.S.
• Economic activity in the euro area was stronger than expected in February as an improving services sector managed to offset a slump in industry
  • Yet, should the slowdown worsen again, the European Central Bank may have more policy options at its disposal than cheap loans for banks
• The U.S. and U.K. have a lot of catching up to do when in comes to treating women in work well

To contact the reporter on this story: Zoe Schneeweiss in London at zschneeweiss@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Fergal O'Brien at fobrien@bloomberg.net, Brian Swint

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