Global growth concerns have shot back onto the radar of financial markets as weakening U.S. economic data and growing trade tensions hurt consumer confidence and business activity.
Although recession is not the base-case scenario for economists, given underlying U.S. resilience, recent data has unnerved investors and U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada are exacerbating growth concerns.
Oil prices are at their lowest since October , stocks from New York to Tokyo are retreating from recent multi-year highs and two-year U.S. Treasury yields are at their lowest since October as bond investors see increased chances of near-term rate cuts.
“One thing is essential for an economy and that’s confidence, which has taken a hit,” said Francois Savary, chief investment officer at Genvil Wealth Management, referring to weakening U.S. consumer and business sentiment.
Honestly, a recession would be best case, wouldn’t it? Everything I read makes it seem like a depression is inevitable.
The last time there was a depression in the US, the Democrats gradually gained control of Congress until they achieved a supermajority.
Hopefully they will also get state governments.
That’d be nice.
The frustrating thing is we’ve already learned this lesson. But b/c people don’t pay attention in school, we have to learn it the hard way all over again.