Packed data calendar but trade issues remain the focus

THE start of the month sees the usual packed data calendar but investors will probably focus on trade developments between the US and China, which have been the main driving factor on sentiment in recent weeks.

Tariffs imposed on US$300 billion worth of Chinese imports to the US have been raised from 10 per cent to 15 per cent from Sept 1.

FXTM market analyst Han Tan said: "The heightened barriers to trade come amid US-China trade tensions which have already dragged global growth and market sentiment lower. Any further escalation in the US-China trade conflict will dampen demand for riskier assets, while boosting safe haven assets such as gold and US Treasuries."