Afternoon Coffee: Trump May Restrict U.S. Tech Exports; How to Plan for an Unwanted Guest: Inflation

The Trump administration moved ahead with plans to limit technology exports, a move that analysts said could have exponential impacts if the U.S.-China trade war worsens, Bloomberg News reports. The Washington Post on Monday reported that the “administration’s potential targets include image-recognition software, ultrafast quantum computers, advanced computer chips, self-driving cars and robots. Companies that make those products and services might, for instance, have to obtain licenses before selling them to foreign governments or partnering with some researchers in certain countries.”

Inflation to Pressure Supply Chains

A Bain & Co. analysis says encroaching inflation poses a problem for companies to control supply chain costs, the Supply Chain Dive reports. "Successful leadership teams combat inflation before it takes its toll," the analysis said. The Dive story discusses how buyers can deal with suppliers who try to raise prices.

A Bite Out of Bitcoin

The value of a bitcoin fell to under $5,000 for the first time since October 2017, and the cryptocurrency was down 76% from its peak of about $19,800 in December, The Wall Street Journal reports. Other digital currencies were down too, the Journal reports.

Target’s Earnings Tank Stocks

And finally, an update on the market: Target issued a weak earnings report Tuesday and stock markets reacted with a slide, sending the Dow and the S&P 500 into negative territory for the year, CNBC reports.