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This week's Markets Weekly discusses potential market topping signals, focusing on events of the past week and the looming significance of March 4th and April 2nd for market direction. While major indexes remain close to all-time highs, the speaker observes a loss of momentum and increasing bearishness among investors. This disconnect arises because, beneath the surface of the major indices, many speculative assets like Palantir and Bitcoin have experienced significant declines, creating anxiety even without a large index drop. Leveraged ETFs capitalizing on past momentum are also performing poorly, contributing to a negative sentiment.
Beyond the speculative market, broader economic indicators suggest a slowing growth trend. PMI numbers, sentiment surveys, and the Atlanta GDP now forecast (initially showing a shocking decline) all point to this slow down. It is later explained that much of the GDP decline is due to companies front-loading imports anticipating tariffs, which inflates import figures and reduces the apparent GDP output, since GDP focuses on goods and services produced domestically. This front-loading effect is expected to unwind in later quarters, but other survey data supports the slowing growth narrative regardless. The decline in the ten-year yield after reaching 4.8% further underscores this sentiment.
The podcast also discusses the potential impact of government spending cuts, driven by efforts to reduce fraud and waste in the budget, a push that could lead to fiscal restraint. Government Accountability Office estimates that 500 billion dollars are lost annually to fraud. The work of an interesting figure nicknamed Doge (likely Elon Musk) is highlighted, who is cutting federal employees, which will impact the unemployment rate in the short term. However, the analysis notes that direct federal employment figures don't fully reflect the scope of government spending, as many agencies rely heavily on contractors and grants. Cuts in these areas will have a more substantial effect on economic growth than the market currently anticipates. While these measures may negatively impact growth in the short term, the laid-off workers will eventually find employment in the private sector, which could lead to restructuring of the overall economy.
A major concern looming over the market is the increasing probability of tariffs, especially as March 4th and then April 2nd approach. The speaker references President Trump's previously suggested tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, which were suspended but could be re-imposed. Additionally, April 2nd marks the date for reciprocal tariffs, where the US will implement tariffs equivalent to those imposed on US goods by other countries. This could significantly impact trade relationships with countries like India, known for high tariffs.
The speaker cites Bloomberg analysis suggesting that if these tariffs are enacted on China, Canada, and Mexico, the effective tariff rate on US imports will drastically increase. The conditions for avoiding tariffs on Canada and Mexico are unclear, although President Trump has publicly considered incorporating Canada into the US. A more concrete possibility lies in creating a "Fortress North America," where Canada and Mexico would match US tariffs on Chinese goods.
Even if the tariffs on Canada and Mexico are avoided, an additional 10% tariff on China seems likely, potentially surpassing the tariffs imposed during Trump's first trade war. Furthermore, the $800 de minimis exception for goods shipped from China is no longer in effect, further increasing tariff burdens.
In conclusion, the combination of slowing growth, potential government spending cuts, and the imminent threat of significantly increased tariffs, particularly on China, are weighing on the markets. The speaker emphasizes the importance of closely watching developments around March 4th and April 2nd. While the speaker doesn't believe that market participants should be surprised by the potential for increased tariffs, they anticipate that the market may not react favorably if new tariffs are introduced.