Sanctions 10 companies and 6 individuals

US is going after China based companies in a way to put pressure on China to help with N. Korea.

The targeted activities are companies and individuals who support N. Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program.

So the heat is being turned up a bit.

There are some comments from Treasury Secretary Mnuchin coming out just now. He says:

  • US will continue to target those who support N. Korea weapons programs and isolate them from US financial system
  • It is unacceptable for individuals and companies in China and Russia and elsewhere to enable N. Korea to generate income from weapons programs.

No big reaction in markets:

  • Spot gold is down -$5.40 to 1286.55
  • S&P is up 0.59%. Nasdaq is up 0.88% at 6268. Both are trading near highs. The 50 day MA for the Nasdaq is at 6272.66. The high reached 6270.85 so far today.