HSBC sets aside more cash for bad loans amid Trump tariff war

HSBC has sounded the alarm about the impact of higher trade tariffs on economic growth, unemployment and inflation around the world, as it set aside more money to cover bad debts and reported lower profits. The UK-based bank reported a $200m (£149m) rise in expected credit losses to $900m in the first quarter, as it increased allowances to "reflect heightened uncertainty and deterioration in the forward economic outlook due to geopolitical tensions and higher trade tariffs". HSBC said: "A further escalation of tariffs and trade tensions could lead to lower trade volumes, investment, consumer spending and, ultimately, weaker global GDP…