Stock market returns under presidential administrations are more correlation than causation, regardless of what political pundits say.

Stocks are set for their third straight day of declines as the potential for a global trade war continues to simmer.

Wall Street was mixed in light trading early Tuesday as anxiety dissipated somewhat after President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threats against Mexico and Canada. Trump's imposed tariffs on China remained in place.

Stocks in the US dropped Monday morning, following European and Asian markets lower as investors digested Trump's tariff announcements.

Stocks fell after Trump signed orders for higher import tariffs. You can protect your portfolio from short-term volatility with diversification and long-term planning.

The German and French stock markets were down about 2%, with shares in carmakers among the worst hit, while London's FTSE 100 dropped more 1%. The US dollar also strengthened on the currency markets,