Trump’s economic goals risk higher prices, interest rates, lower stock prices, and a weaker dollar, impacting consumers and investors.

In Short

Trump’s economic goals aim to reduce the trade deficit, potentially harming the U.S. economy by decreasing capital inflows.

The shift may lead to reduced consumer spending, higher prices, and increased interest rates, with uncertain impacts on manufacturing and investment.

Trump’s economic goals centre on reducing the trade deficit, but this could lead to significant consequences for the U.S. economy.

The balance of payments requires a corresponding inflow of capital to offset trade deficits. Historically, foreign investment in American assets has supported this balance. However, Trump’s approach risks disrupting this dynamic, leading to diminished capital inflows.

Decreasing the goods deficit can occur in two ways. First, by sacrificing services, which could hurt sectors like Wall Street to strengthen manufacturing. Second, a reduced overall trade deficit means less foreign capital, necessitating more domestic savings.

Foreign savings

This shift towards savings will lead to reduced consumer spending. The reliance on foreign savings allowed higher consumption, but the new focus favors workers rather than consumers.

Market reactions could include increased prices and decreased product variety due to tariffs, regarded as the largest tax rise in decades. Higher interest rates may follow as diminished foreign capital necessitates domestic investment in Treasuries, impacting share prices.

Additionally, a weaker dollar could result if the U.S. economy weakens, affecting foreign investment. Concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence may further undermine confidence in the dollar.

While a reduction in deficits through increased exports is theoretically possible, it remains uncertain if other economies will prioritise American products. The likelihood of significant manufacturing returns to the U.S. seems slim, suggesting that both investors and consumers could face challenges ahead.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of faking a ceasefire as attacks persist despite Putin’s Easter truce announcement.

In Short

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of falsely claiming a ceasefire as attacks persist, reporting multiple incidents of shelling and assaults despite Putin’s temporary truce announcement.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s offer to extend a truce while emphasising the need for Russia to respect ceasefire conditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of falsely portraying a ceasefire situation. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent declaration of a unilateral temporary truce for Easter, attacks have continued.

Zelenskyy stated that while there may be an impression of a ceasefire, Russian forces are still attempting to advance and cause damage. He reported 59 instances of shelling and five assaults by Russian units over the weekend, alongside numerous drone strikes.

The president highlighted the importance of Russia adhering to ceasefire conditions and reiterated Ukraine’s offer to extend the truce for an additional 30 days starting from midnight. He confirmed that this proposal remains open and that actions would be based on the situation on the ground.

Easter truce

In the Kherson region, officials claimed that Ukrainian forces continued their offensive, claiming attacks on civilian areas, which they asserted violated the Easter truce. This statement came from Moscow-appointed governor Vladimir Saldo.

Putin announced the ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, set to last from 6 p.m. on Saturday to midnight following Easter Sunday. However, he did not specify details regarding monitoring the ceasefire or its implications for airstrikes or ongoing ground battles.

The announcement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are progressing.

China faces pressure to hit a 5% growth target amidst US tariffs, with analysts urging a 2 trillion yuan stimulus to mitigate trade war effects.

China is under pressure to meet its 5% growth target this year as US tariffs bite.

Analysts are calling for a major stimulus package—up to 2 trillion yuan—to combat trade war fallout.

This episode explores what measures Beijing may take, and whether Chinese consumers can help steady the ship.

#ChinaEconomy #TrumpTariffs #GlobalTrade #Stimulus #ChineseGrowth #Beijing #ConsumerSpending #TickerNews