The US economy is soft and many others around the globe are contracting due to lingering tariff issues between the US and China. Since the first threat of tariffs announced in January 2018, at which time the markets “shook” lower, each additional threat seemed to escalate anxiety and provoke the stock market to lower values. Their prolonged threat lowered US and global economic growth prospects because business leaders are stymied to make long term business decisions involving investments into plant and equipment, and/or hiring new employees. Making things worse, the Fed raised interest rates during 2018, appearing unaware or unconcerned that those actions would also slow economic growth prospects. That adds to “double trouble” for investors. “Quick, call the fire department.”