*By Carlo Versano*
Markets were higher across the board Monday after President Trump announced his framework for a trade deal with Mexico that he hopes will replace NAFTA. The Nasdaq marked its first-ever close above 8,000, and the Dow rose more than a percent, crossing the 26,000 mark for the first time since Feb. 2.
The announcement from Trump in the Oval Office ー with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto on the phone ー could ease concerns among American manufacturers that the administration's tough stance on trade could scuttle the chance for a reworked NAFTA deal.
Trump said Monday that he wanted the new agreement to be called the "United States-Mexico Trade Agreement."
"NAFTA has a lot of bad connotations for us, because it was a rip off," he said.
Canada has stayed conspicuously absent from this round of negotiations. No foundation with the Canadians was established for an expanded North American deal.
President Peña Nieto [tweeted](https://twitter.com/EPN/status/1034089218220249088) that he was angling to get the Canadians back to the table. Trump said "we'll see" if Canada can be part of an expanded deal.
A spokesman for Canada's foreign minister replied: "We will only sign a new NAFTA that is good for Canada and good for the middle class. Canada’s signature is required."
Companies are making money, the economy is cooling down, and a rate cut or two possible by the fall? It might be time to break out the cautious optimism.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell reported that rates would likely remain elevated due to sticky inflation. Zillow breaks down how this could impact the housing market.
Amanda Chin, SVP of Marketing for the Golden State Warriors, stops by Cheddar to debut Valkyries name and logo and talks why women sports is good for business.
The return of ‘meme stocks’ don’t mean it’s time to panic about the stock market. If you want something to worry about… look no further than inflation.
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