In Friday trading, Japan's Nikkei 225 index jumped 2.6% while the Shanghai Composite index advanced 1.5%. The two sides are negotiating an interim “Phase 1” agreement to help resolve their sprawling trade dispute. The administration alleges — and independent analysts generally agree — that China steals technology, forces foreign companies to hand over trade secrets, unfairly subsidizes its own firms and throws up bureaucratic hurdles for foreign rivals. Beijing rejects the accusations and contends that Washington is simply trying to suppress a rising competitor in international trade. Despite the plans for an announcement, it's not a done deal, noted Jeffrey Halley of Oanda.

Source: International New York Times December 13, 2019 06:45 UTC