The year 2018 began with a burst of optimism regarding global economic growth in the coming years – optimism that did not last long • the trade war that broke out between the USA and China escalated quickly from one day to the next and now, despite the temporary ceasefire, the uncertainty has only increased, and the possibility of sliding into a global recession remains a realistic likelihood • Now the year 2018, which began with hopes for growth and prosperity, may go down in history as the forerunner of an economic nightmare