Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney renewed his pledge to label China a currency manipulator "on day one" in the final presidential debate, arguing that the U.S. was losing a silent trade war with the world's second-largest economy.

Experts have warned that such a measure could backfire by provoking retaliatory action.

Overall, the Republican candidate took a milder stance towards Beijing, telling viewers on Tuesday night: "We can be a partner with China; we don't have to be an adversary in any way, shape or form."

But asked if he was formally accusing China of manipulating the renminbi and sparking a trade war, he replied

One week ago, the Washington Post's panel of swing state small-business owners gave the slight edge in the town hall debate to President Obama, forcing a split after Mitt Romney won convincingly in the first debate earlier this month.

So it all came down to Tuesday—and for the second time in less than a week, the president emerged with a split-decision victory.

Five respondents said the president came out ahead, one called it a draw and one gave the victory to Romney. Most of respondents thought the Republican candidate demonstrated that he could effectively serve as commander in chief

Once more our industry has suffered a hit, in part because of the lack of understanding about its true value.