This week's "Markets Weekly" addresses three significant events that shook the financial landscape: the resurgence of the trade war with China, the surge in silver and gold prices, and the strengthening of the US dollar amidst political turmoil in Europe and Japan.
The week started quietly, with the US government shutdown continuing and official data releases suspended. The analyst noted Koushi's increasing estimate that the shutdown could extend to nearly 30 days, adding potential pressure with the impending military paychecks. However, the market's apparent complacency was shattered by new developments, particularly related to China.
The most significant catalyst for market volatility was the re-ignition of the trade war with China. After a period of relative calm following the apparent "liberation day" agreement in April, China appears to be hardening its stance. The analyst pointed out that initial news of China's new export controls on technologies and rare earths went largely unnoticed. It was President Trump's subsequent tweet expressing frustration and threatening retaliatory tariffs of 100% and export controls on software (effective November 1st) that triggered a significant market decline.
The speaker emphasized the market's tendency to "reprice" news, suggesting the trade war's implications were finally sinking in. He recalled that earlier this year, the US seemingly held significant leverage in trade negotiations due to its position as the world's largest importer and its role as a security guarantor for many countries. This led to favorable trade deals where countries pledged investments in the US and agreed not to exploit the US, with Japan pledging $550B in investments.
However, China proved to be a different case, resisting pressure. The analyst highlighted data showing that tariffs on Chinese imports are significantly higher than those on other countries, averaging around 40%. He surmises that the US administration, facing potential economic and political consequences (like stock market declines and inflation) as well as upcoming elections, sought a reason to de-escalate. The analyst noted that the US’s pain tolerance is much less than China's, putting the US in a weaker negotiating position. China’s Trump card was its rare earth monopoly.
China's new policy, restricting export of rare earths and related technology, represents a significant escalation. Rare earths are vital to various industries, including car batteries, semiconductors, and missile production. This choke point gives China leverage comparable to the US’s control over the global dollar system. China's ultimate goal is likely to have the removal of US tariffs.
The analyst anticipates continued volatility and uncertainty in the negotiations, drawing a parallel to the stock market drawdown that preceded the April pivot. The recent market sell-off, affecting major indexes, crypto (again highlighting it isn't a safe haven), and soybeans (signaling dim prospects for US farmer exports), could be merely a "breather" or something more serious. Some companies connected to rare earths surged, but the analyst noted that the companies may take time to reach refinery capacities.
Treasuries benefited from the classic safe haven buy and Gold and Silver were notable standouts. The analyst then moved to the week’s second theme: the surge in gold and silver. Silver, notably, finally broke through the $50 resistance level, which it has failed to pass in 1980 and 2011. The popular narrative attributes this to a "debasement trade" driven by global fiscal deficits. However, the analyst cautioned against oversimplification, noting that economic productive capacity also increases over time. While inflation may be rising, he questioned whether it justifies the dramatic price increases in precious metals.
Another explanation is a potential "squeeze" in the silver market. The analyst explained how futures are fractionally reserved, and there isn’t enough physical silver in the vaults to meet obligations, and a short squeeze may occur. Concerns about potential tariffs on silver have prompted a shift of silver from London to New York, further tightening supply. London is experiencing exploding physical silver lease rates. This temporary situation could be pushing prices up.
Finally, the analyst discussed the US dollar's recent strengthening, despite factors like Fed rate cuts and fiscal deficits. This strengthening is primarily driven by political instability in Europe and Japan. In France, the Prime Minister's resignation due to ongoing fiscal problems and political gridlock widened French bond spreads and weakened the Euro, indirectly strengthening the dollar. Macron has reappointed the same prime minister, and this might be a continued bullish tailwind for the dollar. In Japan, potential new prime minister, who might support big fiscal spending and moderate BOJ rate hikes, would weaken the yen, which would also in turn strengthen the dollar. Political chaos and uncertainty abroad benefit the dollar, making the US, relatively speaking, a more attractive investment destination.
In conclusion, while acknowledging the US's own challenges, the analyst suggests that relative political stability and economic factors are currently favoring the US dollar, though Gold is a major beneficiary as well. He ends by questioning if dip buyers will maintain the market's momentum or if more serious shifts are on the horizon.