Conservative

President Donald Trump has asked for more time on the US economy as it contracted for the first time in three years, stoking recession fears. 

He said the figure was misleading because companies had stockpiled imports ahead of his imposition of tariffs. 

Trump, however, said $8tn (£6tn) of inward investment had been promised, which he argued would restore American manufacturing prowess. 

The US economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.3%, the US commerce department said, a sharp downturn after growth of 2.4% in the previous quarter. It comes as Trump marks 100 days in office, with opinion polls indicating public discontent over his economic stewardship.