The White House engaged in a brief trade war with Canada on Tuesday over energy surcharges and steel tariffs. Cooler heads prevailed but markets weren't calmed.

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that his administration will not allow stock market fluctuations to influence its tariff policy decisions. Speaking in the Oval Office during the signing of executive orders,

The reprieve on tariffs for automakers, and a possible concession on some aspect of tariffs, is assuaging markets' fears. But that could be temporary.