IMF warns of 'intensified' risks to public finances amid US trade war

The US president's on-again, off-again introduction of levies against top trading partners has sent market volatility soaring and unnerved investors, who are attempting to chart a path through the increased uncertainty. Over the past six months, "global economic prospects have significantly deteriorated, and risks to the economic output are elevated and tilted to the downside" Vitor Gaspar, the head of the IMF's Fiscal Affairs department, told reporters on Wednesday at the launch of the Fund's Fiscal Monitor report.