The 2024 U.S. Election: Impacts on Currencies, Stock Markets, and International Trade"

 

The 2024 U.S. Election: Impacts on Currencies, Stock Markets, and International Trade"

The 2024 U.S. presidential election, with Donald Trump's re-election, is anticipated to induce profound repercussions on the global financial landscape. Economists foresee significant tremors across various domains, encompassing currencies, stock markets, and international trade. The pledge of reduced taxation and relaxed regulatory frameworks for corporations could elevate profitability, notably in the banking, crypto, technology, defense, and fossil fuel sectors1. Yet, entities dependent on imported goods or materials may encounter formidable hurdles. The imposition of tariffs, potentially reaching 60% on Chinese imports and 20% on other nations, could severely disrupt established supply chains, resulting in elevated costs and heightened uncertainty2.


 

Key Takeaways

  • Trump's re-election is expected to significantly impact global financial markets, including currencies, stock markets, and international trade.
  • Lower taxes and deregulation could boost profits for certain industries, but tariffs and trade disruptions may challenge companies reliant on imports.
  • The tech and energy sectors may face mixed outcomes, with potential benefits from deregulation but also challenges from trade tensions and policy changes.
  • Concerns over the federal deficit and income inequality could arise from Trump's economic policies.
  • The healthcare sector may face uncertainty due to potential changes to the Affordable Care Act and broader access issues.

Trump's Economic Policy Shifts and Market Expectations

President Trump's economic policy proposals are poised to significantly influence currencies, stock markets, and international trade3. Wells Fargo economists foresee additional tax cuts leading to accelerated economic growth in 2026 and 20273. Pantheon Macroeconomics forecasters predict a 10% tariff would elevate inflation by approximately 0.8 percentage points in the forthcoming year3.

Trump's fiscal policies, encompassing the extension of 2017 tax cuts and deregulation across various sectors, are anticipated to favor industries such as energy, manufacturing, and finance4. A family earning around $80,000 annually could experience a tax reduction of roughly $1,740 in 2026 under Trump's fiscal plan4. Yet, the escalating deficit could exert upward pressure on interest rates or necessitate novel revenue-raising strategies in the future3.

The immediate effects of these policy adjustments might include elevated consumer spending and short-term economic expansion4. The long-term consequences, though, remain ambiguous4. Trump's fiscal initiatives could potentially elevate the inflation rate by up to 1 percentage point, potentially reaching around 3.4% annually4. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget anticipates Trump's fiscal policies would incrementally add $7.75 trillion to the national debt over the next decade3.

Investors and market analysts are vigilantly observing these policy evolutions and their prospective repercussions on currencies, stock markets, and international trade5. The US stock market surged following Trump's re-election, whereas European and UK stocks declined5. Central banks' actions are deemed more pivotal than new government policies in shaping economic landscapes and market dynamics5.

economic policy shifts

As the 2024 election draws near, it is imperative for policymakers, investors, and the broader public to grasp the potential ramifications of Trump's economic policy shifts and market anticipations4. Trump's proposed corporate tax reductions and relaxed regulations could bolster corporate growth and elevate the stock market4.

Global Trade Tensions and Tariff Implementation

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws near, the specter of substantial tariff hikes by the Trump administration becomes increasingly palpable. The President-elect has floated the possibility of imposing tariffs of 60% on Chinese imports and up to 20% on goods from other nations6. This protectionist stance aims to fortify U.S. manufacturing by elevating the cost of imported products. Yet, it may also result in increased prices for American consumers and could escalate into broader trade disputes with key trading partners.

Experts foresee a second Trump term potentially ushering in even more drastic policy actions, including broader, less-targeted tariffs. Such measures could significantly disrupt global trade flows7. The introduction of these tariffs could also spur inflation, elevating costs for businesses across diverse sectors, from technology to retail. It would impact companies with international supply chains, posing substantial challenges.

In anticipation of U.S. tariffs, Europe is gearing up for potential trade tensions. The EU has cautioned that it may incur a "big price" for not sufficiently purchasing American goods7. China, too, is preparing stimulus packages to bolster economic growth and address property market concerns, anticipating heightened volatility and compressed multiples due to increased tariffs7.

Global trade tensions

The looming threat of heightened trade tensions and tariff implementation is a pressing concern for the global economy. Businesses and policymakers must vigilantly observe the unfolding scenario and adjust their strategies to navigate the potentially treacherous trade terrain that may arise from the 2024 U.S. election.

Impacts on Currencies, Stock Markets, and International Trade

The re-election of former President Donald Trump is anticipated to significantly influence currencies, stock markets, and global trade dynamics. The U.S. dollar's strengthening is attributed to expectations of increased tariffs and higher bond yields. This could render U.S. exports more expensive abroad, potentially impacting multinational corporations reliant on foreign revenue899.

Stock markets have responded positively to the election outcomes, with the S&P 500 achieving record highs. Investors anticipate pro-business policies, driving these gains8. Small-cap stocks, benefiting from reduced regulation and domestic-focused policies, have also seen upward trends8. The bond market's rising yields reflect expectations of increased government spending and deficits. This could necessitate adjustments in fixed-income investing strategies as bond prices adjust to the anticipated fiscal environment9.

These shifts in the financial landscape could have profound implications for international trade. During Trump's previous term, the U.S.-China trade relationship experienced strains, leading to tariffs on Chinese goods99. Potential policy shifts, such as modifications to the U.S. De Minimis threshold, could significantly impact international e-commerce and trade flows99.

Emerging markets facing increased borrowing costs due to potential U.S. interest rate hikes may struggle. Central banks worldwide may adjust their policies to counteract U.S. trade measures, influencing currency values and trade relationships99.

As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, businesses and policymakers must closely monitor ongoing developments. They will need to adapt their strategies to navigate the complex and rapidly changing environment899.

Domestic Economic Implications and Growth Forecasts

The domestic economic implications of Trump's policies indicate potential inflationary pressures stemming from tariffs, immigration restrictions, and fiscal spending10. These elements could hinder the Federal Reserve's capacity to lower interest rates, thus maintaining bond yields at elevated levels11. The fiscal deficit, currently hovering around 6.7% of GDP, may escalate further if tax cuts are prolonged12. The synergy of fiscal spending, tariffs, and deregulation could exert inflationary pressures on the economy, influencing interest rates1011.

In the immediate future, the Federal Reserve might persist in cutting rates to boost economic activity. Yet, if inflation surges, it will confront a daunting task in balancing economic expansion with the specter of rising prices1011. These dynamics could shape growth forecasts, necessitating investors to adopt strategies that mitigate inflation risks, such as equities or real assets10.

Despite the U.S. large cap equities witnessing a +2.5% gain and small caps on Solactive 2000 experiencing a +7.6% increase10, the S&P 500 earnings growth is forecasted to escalate from 0.5% in 2023 to 9% in 2024 and 14% in 202511. Investors may uncover opportunities in sectors like industrials, utilities, tech, and financials, while also contemplating strategies to counteract potential inflationary pressures10.

Source Links

  1. How are world economies reacting to Trump's imminent return as U.S. president?
  2. The economic & regulatory implications of Trump’s 2024 election victory - Thomson Reuters Institute
  3. Here's what Trump 2.0 means for the economy, from tariffs to mass deportations
  4. 5 ways Trump's next presidency could affect the U.S. economy — and your money
  5. Politics, central banks, and what matters most to markets
  6. Trump’s Election Win: Key Takeaways For Investors Globally | Russell Investments
  7. What Trump’s historic election victory means for the global economy
  8. How Do Geopolitical Events Impact The Stock Market? | Bankrate
  9. Changes in global trade in a new Trump era
  10. What Does The Fed’s Latest Move Mean For Investors? | J.P. Morgan
  11. Weekly market wrap
  12. What’s happening this week in economics?
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