Macro Briefing: 20 August 2018

This week’s US-China trade talks face challenges: CNBC
White house rejects Turkey’s offer for releasing pastor: WSJ
US Sec. of State cites possible ceasefire in Afghanistan: Politico
Taiwan president’s US visit angers China: NY Times
China using Iranian tankers to sidestep US sanctions on Iran: Reuters
Eight years of bailouts for Greece officially end today: CNN
Trump administration says conserving oil is no longer economically crucial: PBS
US Leading Economic Index points to solid growth for rest of year: CB
Strong economic activity powered corporate results in Q2: CNBC
Politics shapes views on economy going into mid-term elections: NY Times
US consumer sentiment fell to 11-month low in August: MarketWatch