China and US sign initial trade pact, but doubts and tariffs linger

(Jan 17): China will boost purchases of US goods and services by US$200 billion ($269 billion) over two years in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the world’s two largest economies, defusing an 18-month row that has hit global growth.

Key world stock market indexes climbed to record highs after the deal was signed on Wednesday in Washington, but later stalled on concerns it may not ease trade tensions for long, with numerous thorny issues still unresolved.