We start with global trade tensions. US President Donald Trump has temporarily exempted the European Union and six countries from higher duties on steel and aluminum imports that are due to go into effect Friday.

The six countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Meanwhile, Trump announced steep tariffs on up to 60-billion US dollars worth of Chinese goods. He also limited Chinese investment in high-tech industries. American imports from Asia last year reached more than one-trillion US dollars. Stock markets are feeling the impact of the China-US trade tensions. The US' Dow Jones slumped more than 700 points Thursday. And China's Shanghai Composite Index plunged more than 4-percent Friday afternoon.