Deals under discussion with EU and Eurasian groupings as US set to impose 19 per cent tariff from Aug 1. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq notched record high closes on Wednesday, lifted by Nvidia and GE Vernova, as the European Union and the U.S. appeared headed toward a trade deal similar to an agreement President Donald Trump struck with Japan.

European Union officials are set for a summit with China’s top leaders. China’s support of Russia and a long list of trade disputes are on the agenda.

Japan's trade agreement with the U.S. could serve as the benchmark for many other deals currently being negotiated with Washington, and the global economy could just about support the 15% level agreed overnight,

(Reuters) -Businesses making everything from chips to steel reported downbeat results on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war inflicting damage even as Japan's deal lifted stocks and hopes that Europe can clinch a similar agreement.

Trump, in Scotland for a few days of golfing and bilateral meetings, told reporters upon his arrival on Friday evening that von der Leyen was a highly respected leader and he was looking forward to meeting with her on his golf course in Turnberry.