The News in 200 Words- April 24
Those longing for some semblance of political stability in the West cheered independent candidate Emmanuel Macron's victory in the first round of France's presidential election.
- Frexit proponents still have hope, with FNP candidate Marine Le Pen securing second place and the position opposite Macron in the final round of voting on May 7.
- Neither candidate represents a mainstream party, marking a radical shift in French politics.
For more: French election 2017: Who are the final candidates? (BBC)
Disintegrating left-right divide sets stage for political upheaval (The Guardian)
US President Donald Trump continues to marshal support for a firmer stance against North Korean missile tests.
- On a call with Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to demand that North Korea stop missile tests that the Kim Jong-Un regime says will continue "weekly, monthly, yearly."
- South Korea welcomed a United States submarine to port, the latest in a build-up of American forces in the region
US President Donald Trump is encouraging his staff to include in their tax plans a reduction of the corporate tax rate to 15%.
- Congressional Republicans have voiced concerns that such a dramatic reduction will increase the national debt
- The current 35% rate is one of the highest in the world
- No firm details have emerged regarding any proposed plans
For more: Trump to propose 15 percent corporate tax rate (Politico)
How the S&P 500 Will Spend $2.6T in Cash Next Year (Goldman Sachs via Zero Hedge)
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