Markets on a Hair Trigger: Trump’s Tariff Whiplash and the AI Bubble That Won’t Pop

U.S. stock markets are behaving like a mood ring in a thunderstorm—volatile, reactive, and oddly sentimental. One moment, President Trump threatens a ‘massive increase’ in tariffs on Chinese imports, and nearly $2 trillion in market value evaporates. The next, he posts that: ‘all will be fine‘, and futures rebound overnight. It’s not just policy—it’s theatre, …

Trump’s Drug Tariffs: A protectionist prescription policy?

Trump’s latest tariff salvo is already rattling pharma stocks. Branded drugs now face a 100% levy unless firms build plants in the U.S. Trump’s Drug Tariffs: A protectionist prescription policy? In a move that’s rattled pharmaceutical markets across Asia and Europe, President Trump has announced a sweeping 100% tariff on branded, patented drugs imported into …

Trump – tactics and turmoil – tariff U-turn count

Trump’s latest flurry of tariff U-turns has left global markets whiplashed but oddly resilient. From threatening Swiss gold bars with a 39% levy to abruptly tweeting ‘Gold will not be Tariffed!’ The former president’s reversals have become a hallmark of his political tactic. Investors now brace for volatility not from policy itself, but from its …

Why do the markets appear numb to Trump’s tariff onslaught?

Despite the scale and aggression of Donald Trump’s 2025 tariff attack—averaging approximately 27% and targeting nearly 100 countries—financial markets have shown a surprisingly muted response. Here’s a breakdown of why that might be 🧠 1. Markets Have Priced in the Chaos 🧮 2. Selective Impact and Exemptions 🔄 3. Supply Chain Adaptation 💰 4. Short-Term …

Trump’s 100% microchip tariff – A high-stakes gamble on U.S. manufacturing

President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 100% tariff on imported semiconductors and microchips—unless companies are actively manufacturing in the United States. The move, unveiled during an Oval Office event with Apple CEO Tim Cook, is aimed at turbocharging domestic production in a sector critical to everything from smartphones to defence systems. Trump’s vow comes …

Trump’s self-imposed August tariff deadline looms

Since a little after Donald Trump’s declaration of ‘Liberation Day’ and renewed tariff threats, global markets have shown a remarkable degree of indifference. While equities dipped briefly in April, investors appear increasingly unshaken by the looming 1st August deadline. Several factors underpin this resilience. First, market participants have grown accustomed to political brinkmanship. Traders now …

Markets appear to dismiss Trump’s tariff threats – but will this prove to be unwise?

Despite President Donald Trump’s renewed push for sweeping tariffs, global markets appear unfazed. Trump issued letters to 14 countries – including Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia—outlining new import levies ranging from 25% to 40%, set to take effect on 1st August 2025. More letters then followed. Yet, major indices like the FTSE 100 and Nikkei …

Elon Musk launches ‘America Party’ amid ongoing feud with Trump

In a dramatic twist to the U.S. political landscape, Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party, the America Party, following a bitter fallout with President Donald Trump over his controversial tax and spending legislation – the ‘Big Beautiful Bill‘. Musk, once a key ally of Trump and head of the Department …

Trump shifts tariff ‘goal posts’ again and targets BRICS with extra 10% levy

In a fresh escalation of trade tensions, President Donald Trump has once again moved the goalposts on tariff policy, pushing the deadline for new trade deals to 1st August 2025. This marks the second extension since the original April 2025 ‘Liberation Day’ announcement, which had already stirred global markets. The latest twist includes a new …

From Missiles to Tariffs: A desensitised stock market faces Trump’s new world

In years past, the mere hint of U.S. airstrikes or heightened geopolitical tension would send global stock markets into panic mode. Yet, following President Trump’s re-election and his increasingly aggressive foreign policy stance, investor reactions have become notably muted. From missile strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to an orchestrated ceasefire between Iran and Israel, markets …

U.S. holds interest rates steady – Trump isn’t happy!

U.S. Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25% to 4.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting. This decision reflects a cautious stance amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies and their potential impact on inflation and economic growth. The Fed still anticipates two rate cuts later in 2025, but officials are …

What exactly is Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that Musk hates so much?

Trump calls it his ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, but Musk calls it a ‘Disgusting Abomination’ – who’s right? Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is a sweeping tax and spending package aimed at making his 2017 tax cuts permanent while introducing new tax breaks and budget reforms. It eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, raises the State and …

Trump and Musk feud – love to hate in 137 days – a billionaire brawl

It’s a worry – arguably the most powerful man in the world and the richest man in the world in a highly visible fallout. Unrest and distrust at the top of U.S. government and the and in the corporate world – so what’s new? Donald Trump and Elon Musk, once allies, have engaged in a …

OECD cuts U.S. growth forecast amid Trump’s tariff chaos

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has sharply downgraded its U.S. growth forecast, citing economic uncertainty and the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The OECD now expects the U.S. economy to expand by just 1.6% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, a significant cut from its previous estimate of 2.2% for …

Trump’s tariffs challenged in court and deemed to be illegal

A U.S. federal court has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs were imposed illegally, dealing a significant blow to his economic policies. The Court of International Trade determined that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to justify tariffs on nearly every country. The ruling states that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress …

China’s industrial profit accelerates in April 2025 – despite Trump’s tariffs

Despite the heavy tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s industrial sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In April 2025, industrial profits rose by 3%, marking the second consecutive month of growth. This increase was largely driven by Beijing’s strategic policy measures, which cushioned the impact of the tariffs and supported private enterprises. In …

Trump does deals!

Trump Secures Over $1.4 Trillion in Landmark Middle East Trade Agreements President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East has resulted in a wave of economic agreements totaling over $1.4 trillion, marking one of the largest trade expansions between the region and the United States. With a focus on investment, defence, and technology, Trump’s …

Trump’s Boeing 747 Gift from Qatar – a diplomatic gesture or controversial play?

It’s just a gift? Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, a move that has sparked debate over its implications. The aircraft, valued at $400 million, is expected to serve as a temporary Air Force One until the U.S. government receives its long-delayed replacements. …

Trump tariff roll-back – a win for China? U.S. markets rejoice the ‘deal’

The U.S. stock market surged as investors cheered a breakthrough in trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing. The rollback of tariffs, announced as part of a new trade agreement, sent the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite soaring. The deal, which slashes ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on both sides, is seen as a major …

U.S. Federal Reserve holds interest rates at 4.25% – 4.50% and upsets Trump in the process

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady at 4.25% – 4.50% on 7th May 2025, citing economic uncertainty and the potential impact of tariffs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that the central bank is in wait-and-see mode, monitoring inflation and employment risks. The decision follows concerns that Trump’s trade policies could lead to …

Shock but no ‘awe’ in Trump’s first 100 days in office

U.S. President Donald Trump has definitely brought a lot of shock in the first 100 days of his presidency, smashing trade links, alliances, and even his own government, but it can hardly be said to have left anybody truly in ‘awe’. Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office during his second term have been a …

Countries begin to turn away from the U.S. because of Trump’s tariff policies

Countries are increasingly pivoting away from the United States due to the ripple effects of former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. His ‘America First’ ideology, which prioritised domestic interests over international collaboration, assumed that the world needed America more than America needed the world. While this may have held true in certain aspects, the global …

Tesla and Musk struggle against Trump’s Tariff Tidalwave

Tesla has been making headlines with a series of major developments, from financial setbacks to strategic shifts by CEO Elon Musk. The electric vehicle giant recently reported a 20% drop in automotive revenue, a significant decline that has raised concerns among investors. Meanwhile, Musk has announced that he will be spending much less time on …

U.S. stocks slide again as Trump publicly criticises Fed Chair Powell

President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has sent shockwaves through the financial markets, reigniting concerns about the central bank’s independence. On Monday 21st April 2025, Trump took to social media to publicly call Powell a ‘major loser’ and demanded immediate interest rate cuts, warning of an economic slowdown if his …

Tech stocks propel market rally amid Trump’s tariff pause

On Monday 14th April 2025, the stock market experienced a notable mini rally, driven by the tech sector’s resurgence following a weekend announcement of a temporary tariff pause. President Trump’s decision to exempt smartphones, computers, and other electronics from steep tariffs provided a much-needed reprieve for the industry, sparking optimism among investors. Major tech companies …

Trump takes wrecking ball to global trade – sets stock markets on fire and plays golf – all in one week

Is this a fair ‘take’ on the last weeks tariff turmoil? President Trump’s tariffs have left a significant mark on global trade and financial markets, creating waves that continue to shape global economic dynamics. The tariffs, initially aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit and protecting domestic industries, triggered a rollercoaster ride for stock markets …