Get started

Americasucks

Crypto Markets: “Sell in May, and Go Away” — What Does It MeanThe historical pattern known as the “Sell in May, and Go Away” seasonal divergence was popularized by the Stock Trader’s Almanac, which stated that investing in stocks represented by the Dow Jones Industrial Average from November to April and switching to fixed income for the other six months “has delivered reliable returns with reduced risk since 1950.” What is “Sell in May, and Go Away”? “Sell in May, and Go Away” is a well-known saying in finance. It is based on the historical underperformance of stocks over the six-month period from May to October. According to Fidelity Investments, the divergence has been most pronounced in recent years, with the S&P 500 (SPX) gaining an average of about 2% from May to October from 1990 onwards over the next 30 years, compared with an average of about 7% from November to April. The Halloween Indicator, 'Sell in May and Go Away': Everywhere and All the Time*, a research paper examining stock markets outside the US, found the same pattern, calling the seasonal divergence trend "surprisingly resilient." Key Takeaways 👉 "Sell in May and go away" is a saying that refers to the historically weaker performance of financial markets from May to October compared to the other half of the year. 👉 Investors can try to capitalize on this pattern by switching to less risky assets from May to October, based on historical data. Seasonality in investment flows may persist as a result of year-end bonuses from the financial industry and businesses, perhaps helped by the mid-April deadline for filing U.S. income tax returns. Whatever the underlying fundamentals, the historical pattern was made more pronounced by the October stock market crashes of 1987 and 2008. Final Points 👉 The problem with historical patterns is that they do not reliably predict the future. This is especially true for well-known historical patterns. If enough people became convinced that the “Sell in May and Walk Away” pattern would persist, it would essentially begin to disappear immediately. All the early sellers would try to sell in April and bid against each other to buy back the assets before everyone else in October. 👉 At the same time, certain considerations regarding the development of geopolitical events in the period from May to October 2025 reasonably give reason to think about the prospects of such a scenario for the next 6 months. * The Halloween Indicator, 'Sell in May and Go Away': Everywhere and All the Time >> Ben Jacobsen Tilburg University - TIAS School for Business and Society; Massey University >> Cherry Yi Zhang. Nottingham University Business School China; Massey University - School of Economics and Finance. -- Best wishes, @PandorraResearch Team 😎
COINBASE:ETHUSD
by PandorraResearch
1
GOLD Regains Above 3'300, since US stocks "Relief Rally" is OverGold prices recently surged above $3,300 per ounce due to a confluence of geopolitical, economic, and monetary factors driving strong safe-haven demand: Heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict and ongoing US-China trade disputes, have increased uncertainty, prompting investors to seek Gold as a secure store of value amid instability. The US dollar's weakness, nearing a three-year low, has further boosted gold's appeal for holders of other currencies, making Gold relatively cheaper and more attractive globally. What is most important also, U.S. stock rally has overed recently its tedious 10-Day winning strike (fortunately which finished not at all the history peaks). That's why investors may be turning back to tried-and-true assets like Gold. Central banks, notably China’s, have been consistently buying gold to diversify reserves away from the US dollar, supporting prices significantly. China increased its Gold reserves for the 17th consecutive month, signaling sustained institutional demand. Additionally, gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen record inflows, reflecting growing investor interest beyond traditional buyers. Market expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later in 2025 have also played a key role. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold, enhancing its investment appeal amid inflation concerns and economic growth uncertainties. This combination of geopolitical risk, a weaker dollar, central bank purchases, and anticipated monetary easing has propelled gold prices to historic highs, with forecasts suggesting further gains toward $3,500 per ounce. -- Best #GODL wishes, @PandorraResearch Team 😎
OANDA:XAUUSD
by PandorraResearch
Canadian Dollar vs US Dollar: Recovering from The Bearish HugsIn previous posts, we have already begun to look at the key factors that have driven the U.S. outperformance over the past decade. The U.S. market dominance is largely due to the rapid rise of tech giants (such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet), which have benefited from strong profit growth, global market reach, and significant investor inflows. Underperforming Internationally Markets outside the U.S. have faced challenges such as multiple stifling sanctions and tariffs, slowing economic growth, political uncertainty (especially in Europe), a stronger U.S. dollar, and the decline of high-growth tech sectors. The Valuation Gap By 2025, U.S. equities will be considered relatively expensive compared to their international peers, which may offer more attractive valuations in the future. Recent Shifts (2025 Trend) Since early 2025, international equities have begun to outperform the S&P 500, and European and Asian equities have regained investor interest. Global market currencies are also heavily dependent on the US dollar. Factors include optimism around the following three main themes. DE-DOLLARIZATION. DE-AMERICANIZATION. DIVERSIFICATION. De-dollarization is the process by which countries reduce their reliance on the US dollar (USD) as the dominant global reserve currency, medium of exchange, and unit of account in international trade and finance. This trend involves a shift away from the centrality of the US dollar in global economic transactions and towards alternative currencies, assets or financial systems. Reasons for De-dollarization The move towards de-dollarization is driven by geopolitical and economic factors: Backlash against US economic hegemony: The US often uses the dollar's dominance to impose sanctions and exert political pressure, encouraging countries to seek financial sovereignty. Rise of emerging economic powers: Emerging economies such as China and groups such as the BRICS are seeking to reduce their vulnerability to US influence and promote regional integration and alternative financial infrastructures. Geopolitical tensions: Conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have increased efforts by countries such as Russia to withdraw dollars from their reserves to avoid sanctions. Summary De-dollarization is a complex, ongoing process that reflects a gradual shift away from the global dominance of the US dollar. It involves diversifying reserves, using alternative currencies and assets, and creating new financial systems to reduce reliance on the dollar. Driven by geopolitical tensions and the rise of emerging economic powers, de-dollarization is challenging the entrenched role of the dollar, but is unlikely to completely replace it anytime soon. Instead, it is leading to a more multi-polar monetary system in international finance, increasing demand for alternative investments in the US. Technical Test The main technical chart is presented in a weekly perspective, reflecting the performance of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar FX_IDC:CADUSD over the long term. With the positive dynamics of the relative strength indicator RSI(14) continuing, a breakout of flat resistance near the level of 0.72 is noted, with the prospect of a possible price increase to 0.80, parity in the currency pair and strengthening of the Canadian dollar to historical maximums, in the horizon of the next five years. -- Best wishes, @PandorraResearch Team 😎
by PandorraResearch
1
Bull in a China Shop. The S&P 500 Index After 100 Days of TrumpPresident Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were the worst for the stock market in any postwar four-year U.S. presidential cycle since the 1970s. The S&P 500's 7.9% drop from Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 to the close on April 25 is the second-worst first 100 days since President Richard Nixon's second term. Nixon, after taking office as President of the United States (for the second time) on January 20, 1973, witnessed the S&P 500 index fall by 9.9% in his first 100 days in office, due to the unsuccessful economic measures he took to combat inflation, which led to the recession of 1973-1975 when the S&P 500 index losses of nearly to 50 percent. It all started in January 1973 in the best soap opera traditions of Wall Street, at the historical peaks of the S&P 500 index.. ..But less than two years later it quickly grew into a Western with a good dose of Horror, because the scenario of a 2-fold reduction of the S&P 500 index was unheard those times for financial tycoons and ordinary onlookers on the street, since the Great Depression of the 1930s, that is, for the entire post-war time span since World War II ended, or almost for forty years. Nixon later resigned in 1974 amid the Watergate scandal. On average, the S&P 500 rises 2.1% in the first 100 days of any president's term, according to CFRA, based on data from election years 1944 through 2020. The severity of the stock market slide early in Trump's presidency stands in stark contrast to the initial "The Future is Bright as Never" euphoria following his election victory in November, when the S&P 500 jumped to all-time highs on the belief that Mr. Trump would shake off the clouds, end the war in Ukraine overnight, and deliver long-awaited tax cuts and deregulation. Growth slowed and then, alas, plummeted as Trump used his first days in office to push other campaign promises that investors took less seriously, notably an aggressive approach to trade that many fear will fuel inflation and push the U.S. into recession. The S&P 500 fell sharply in April, losing 10% in just two days and briefly entering a bear market after Trump announced “reciprocal” tariffs, amid a national emergency that gave him free rein to push through tariffs without congressional oversight. Then Trump began yanking the tariff switch back and forth, reversing part of that tariff decision and giving countries a 90-day window to renegotiate, calming some investor fears. Many fear more downside is ahead. Everyone is looking for a bottom. But it could just be a bear market rally, a short-term bounce of sorts. And it's not certain that we're out of the woods yet, given the lack of clarity and ongoing uncertainty in Washington. Time will tell only... -- Best 'China shop' wishes, @PandorraResearch Team
SP:SPX
by PandorraResearch
GOLD Follows "Buy The Dip" Mode, Being Supported by 200-hour SMAGold prices have experienced significant volatility over the last days, with conflicting reports on the current trend. According to some sources, gold prices have increased, with spot gold reaching $3,500 per troy ounce, new all the history high on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The $3,500 milestone has sparked increased interest from investors and market analysts, meaning that Gold spot doubled in price over the past 5 years, 3rd time in history ever. Despite the short-term volatility, gold has shown a strong performance since the beginning of 2025, with an increase of approximately 30-35% year-to-date. Market analysts remain bullish on gold, with some forecasting prices to reach $ 4'000 per ounce in the near term. The main 1-hour graph indicates on 200-hours SMA technical support, with further upside opportunity due to forming on the chart descending triangle (flat bottom/ descending top) breakthrow. -- Best #GODL wishes, Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
RUS:GDM2025
by PandorraResearch
GOLD Goes "Buy The Dip", Following 200-hour SMA Major SupportGold prices have experienced significant volatility over the last days, with conflicting reports on the current trend. According to some sources, gold prices have increased, with spot gold reaching $3,500 per troy ounce, new all the history high on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The $3,500 milestone has sparked increased interest from investors and market analysts, meaning that Gold spot doubled in price over the past 5 years, 3rd time in history ever. Despite the short-term volatility, gold has shown a strong performance since the beginning of 2025, with an increase of approximately 30-35% year-to-date. Market analysts remain bullish on gold, with some forecasting prices to reach $ 4'000 per ounce in the near term. The main 1-hour Gold spot OANDA:XAUUSD graph indicates on 200-hours SMA technical support, with further upside opportunity due to forming on the chart descending triangle (flat bottom/ descending top) breakthrow. -- Best #GODL wishes, 💖 Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team
OANDA:XAUUSD
by PandorraResearch
Canadian Dollar vs. US Dollar. The Spring Is Compressing.In previous posts, we have already begun to look at the key drivers of the US outperformance over the past decade. The US market dominance has been largely driven by the rapid rise of tech giants (such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet), which have benefited from strong profit growth, global market reach and significant investor inflows. Unsatisfactory International Performance Markets outside the US have faced headwinds including multiple stifling sanctions and tariffs, slowing economic growth, political uncertainty (especially in Europe), a stronger US dollar and the declining influence of high-growth tech sectors. The Valuation Gap By 2025, US equities will be considered relatively expensive compared to their international peers, which may offer more attractive valuations in the future. Recent Shifts (2025 Trend) Since early 2025, international equities have begun to outperform the S&P 500, and European and Asian equities have regained investor interest. Global market currencies are also widely dominated by the US dollar. Factors include optimism around the following three big themes. DE-DOLLARIZATION. DE-AMERICANIZATION. DIVERSIFICATION. De-dollarization is the process by which countries reduce their reliance on the US dollar (USD) as the world's dominant reserve currency, medium of exchange, and unit of account in international trade and finance. This trend implies a shift away from the central role of the US dollar in global economic transactions to alternative currencies, assets, or financial systems. Historical context and significance of the US dollar The US dollar became the world's primary reserve currency after World War II, as enshrined in the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944. This system pegged other currencies to the dollar, which was convertible into gold, making the dollar the backbone of international finance. The United States became the world's leading economic power, and the dollar replaced the British pound sterling as the dominant currency for global trade and reserves. The dollar has been the most widely held reserve currency for decades. As of the end of 2024, it still accounts for about 57% of global foreign exchange reserves, far more than the euro (20%) and the Japanese yen (6%). However, this share has fallen from over 70% in 2001, signaling a gradual shift and prompting discussions about de-dollarization. How De-Dollarization Works Countries looking to reduce their reliance on the dollar are pursuing several strategies: Diversifying reserves: Central banks are holding fewer U.S. dollars and increasing their holdings of other currencies, such as the euro, yen, British pound, or new alternatives such as the Chinese yuan. While the yuan's share remains small (about 2.2%), it has grown, especially among countries like Russia. Using alternative currencies in trade: Countries are entering into bilateral or regional agreements to conduct trade in their own currencies rather than using the dollar as an intermediary. For example, China has introduced yuan-denominated oil futures (the "petroyuan") to challenge the petrodollar system. Increasing gold reserves: Many countries, including China, Russia and India, have significantly increased their purchases of gold as a safer reserve asset, reducing their dollar holdings. Developing alternative financial systems: Some countries and blocs, such as BRICS, are working to develop alternatives to the US-dominated SWIFT payment system to avoid the risk of sanctions and gain true economic and political independence. Reasons for de-dollarization The move towards de-dollarization is driven by geopolitical and economic factors: Backlash against US economic hegemony: The US often uses dollar dominance to impose sanctions and exert political pressure, encouraging countries to seek financial sovereignty. Rise of new economic powers: Emerging economies like China and groups like the BRICS are seeking to reduce their vulnerability to U.S. influence and promote regional integration and alternative financial infrastructures. Geopolitical tensions: Conflicts like the war in Ukraine have intensified efforts by countries like Russia to remove the dollar from their reserves to avoid sanctions. Implications and outlook While the dollar remains dominant, a more de-dollarized world is already changing global economic power. The U.S. may lose some advantages, such as lower borrowing costs and geopolitical influence. For the U.S. economy, de-dollarization could lead to a weaker currency, higher interest rates, and reduced foreign investment, although some effects, such as inflation from a weaker dollar, could belimited . For other countries, de-dollarization could mean greater economic independence and less exposure to U.S. policy risks. However, no currency currently matches the dollar’s ​​liquidity, stability, and global recognition, so a full transition is unlikely in the near future . Summary De-dollarization is a complex, ongoing process that reflects a gradual shift away from the global dominance of the U.S. dollar. It involves diversifying reserves, using alternative currencies and assets, and creating new financial systems to reduce dependence on the dollar. Driven by geopolitical tensions and the rise of emerging economic powers, de-dollarization challenges the entrenched role of the dollar but is unlikely to completely replace it anytime soon. Instead, it is leading to a more multipolar monetary system in international finance, increasing demand for alternative investments to the U.S. Technical task The main technical chart is presented in a quarterly breakdown, reflecting the dynamics of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar FX_IDC:CADUSD in the long term. With the continued positive momentum of the relative strength indicator RSI(14), flat support near the level of 0.70 and a decreasing resistance level (descending top/ flat bottom) in case of a breakout represent the possibility of price growth to 0.80, with the prospect of parity in the currency pair and strengthening of the Canadian dollar to all-time highs, in the horizon of the next five years. -- Best wishes, Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
by PandorraResearch
Tears of Liberty. Lets Make America Sell Again.Over the past decade, the U.S. stock market has significantly outperformed global stock markets excluding the United States. This divergence in returns has been one of the defining features of global investing since 2015, with U.S. equities—especially large-cap technology stocks—driving much of the outperformance. Annualized Returns (2015–2025) AMEX:SPY , S&P 500 Index(U.S.): The S&P 500 delivered an average annualized return of 13.8% over the past ten years. NASDAQ:ACWX , MSCI All World ex U.S. (Rest of World): Global stocks outside the U.S. returned an average of 4.9% annually over the same period Year-by-Year Breakdown Year | SPX | World ex U.S. | U.S. Surplus 2024 23.9% 4.7% +19.2% 2023 23.8% 17.9% +5.8% 2022 -19.6% -14.3% -5.4% (!) 2021 26.6% 12.6% +14.0% 2020 15.8% 7.6% +8.2% 2019 30.4% 22.5% +7.9% 2018 -6.6% -14.1% +7.5% 2017 18.7% 24.2% -5.5% (!) 2016 9.8% 2.7% +7.1% 2015 -0.7% -3.0% +2.3% Key Drivers of Performance U.S. Outperformance The U.S. market’s dominance was driven largely by the rapid growth of technology giants (such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet), which benefited from strong earnings growth, global market reach, and significant investor inflows. International Underperformance Non-U.S. markets faced headwinds such as multiply choking sanctions and tariffs, slower economic growth, political uncertainty (notably in Europe), a stronger U.S. dollar, and less exposure to high-growth technology sectors. Valuation Gap By 2025, U.S. stocks are considered relatively expensive compared to their international counterparts, which may offer more attractive valuations going forward. Recent Shifts (2025 Trend): As of early 2025, international stocks have started to outperform the S&P 500, with European and Asian equities seeing renewed investor interest. Factors include optimism over economic recovery in China and strong performance in European defense and technology sectors. Long-Term Perspective Historical Context While the past decade favored U.S. equities, this has not always been the case. For example, during the 2000s, international stocks outperformed the U.S. following the dot-com bust. Market Weight The U.S. accounts for roughly 60% of global stock market capitalization and about 25% of global GDP, so its performance has a substantial impact on global indices. Conclusion From 2015 to 2025, the U.S. stock market delivered nearly triple the annualized returns of global markets excluding the U.S., primarily due to the outperformance of large-cap technology stocks. While this trend has persisted for most of the decade, early 2025 shows signs of a potential shift, with international equities beginning to close the performance gap. Investors should remain aware of valuation differences and the cyclical nature of global market leadership. The main technical chart for U.S./ ex U.S. ratio indicates the epic reversal is in progress.
AMEX:SPY
by PandorraResearch
2
S&P 500 Index Goes 'Death Crossed' Again, Due To Unruly EconomyThe "Death Cross" is a technical chart pattern signaling potential bearish momentum in the US stock market, occurring when a short-term moving average (typically the 50-day) crosses below a long-term moving average (usually the 200-day). Despite its foreboding name, historical data shows its implications are often less dire than perceived, serving as a coincident indicator of market weakness rather than a definitive predictor of collapse. Historical Examples and Market Impact The death cross gained notoriety for preceding major market downturns: 2000 Dot-Com Bubble: The Nasdaq Composite’s death cross in June 2000 coincided with the burst of the tech bubble, leading to a prolonged bear market. 2008 Financial Crisis: The S&P 500’s death cross in December 2007 foreshadowed the 2008 crash, with the index losing over 50% of its value by early 2009. 2020 COVID-19 Crash: The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 all formed death crosses in March 2020 amid pandemic-driven panic, though markets rebounded sharply within months. 2022 Ukraine's War Crisis: The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 all formed death crosses in March 2022 due to proinflationary surge on Ukraine's war and Arab-Israel conflict, leading to a prolonged bear market within next twelve months, up to March quarter in the year 2023. These examples highlight the pattern’s association with extreme volatility, but its predictive power is inconsistent. For instance, the 2022 death cross in the S&P 500—its first in two years—occurred amid Fed rate hikes and geopolitical tensions, yet the market stabilized within weeks rather than entering a prolonged downturn. Perspectives on Reliability and Use Cases While the death cross reflects deteriorating short-term momentum, its utility depends on context: Lagging Nature: As a lagging indicator, it confirms existing trends rather than forecasting new ones. The 50-day average crossing below the 200-day often occurs after prices have already declined. False Signals: Post-2020 data shows the S&P 500 gained an average of 6.3% one year after a death cross, with Nasdaq Composite returns doubling typical averages six months post-cross. Combined Analysis: Traders pair it with metrics like trading volume or MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) to validate signals. Higher selling volume during a death cross strengthens its bearish case. Strategic Implications for Investors For market participants, the death cross serves as a cautionary tool rather than a standalone sell signal: Short-Term Traders: May use it to hedge long positions or initiate short bets, particularly if corroborated by weakening fundamentals. Long-Term Investors: Often treat it as a reminder to reassess portfolio diversification, especially during elevated valuations or macroeconomic uncertainty. Contrarian Opportunities: Historical rebounds post-death cross—such as the 7.2% Nasdaq gain three months after the signal—suggest potential buying opportunities for risk-tolerant investors. Fundamental Challenge Stocks Extend Drop as Powell Sees Economy ‘Moving Away’ From Fed Goals Powell sees economy ‘moving away’ from job, price goals due to Trump's tariff chainsaw. Fed well positioned to wait for policy clarity. Strong jobs market depends on price stability, he adds. Stocks extend declines, bonds rally as Fed chair speaks. Conclusion The "Death Cross" remains a contentious yet widely monitored pattern. Its dramatic name and association with past crises amplify its psychological impact, but empirical evidence underscores its role as one of many tools in technical analysis. Investors who contextualize it with broader market data—such as earnings trends, interest rates, and macroeconomic indicators—are better positioned to navigate its signals. While it may foreshadow turbulence, its historical track record emphasizes resilience, with markets often recovering losses within months of the pattern’s appearance. -- Best wishes, Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎 // Think Big. Risk Less
SP:SPX
by PandorraResearch
Apparatchik Trump Says 'No.. More Pain' Ahead of Amazon EarningsPresident Trump's new tariffs have had a significant negative impact on Amazon's stock performance, revenue, and earnings, primarily due to increased costs and supply chain disruptions. Here below is a detailed analysis of these effects. Impact on Amazon's Stock Performance Amazon's stock has seen substantial declines following the announcement of Trump's tariff plan. The company's shares dropped nearly 7% within two days of the announcement and are down nearly 21% year-to-date. These tariffs have exacerbated existing challenges for Amazon, which was already struggling in early 2025 with a 13% decline in stock value during the first quarter. The broader market also suffered, with technology stocks experiencing sharp declines as investors reacted to fears of higher costs and inflation. Revenue Challenges Amazon's reliance on Chinese suppliers for merchandise has made it particularly vulnerable to the newly imposed tariffs. Over 50% of Amazon's top third-party sellers are based in China, and many of their products are subject to hefty import taxes, including a 34% tariff on Chinese goods. These tariffs increase landed costs for a significant portion of Amazon's inventory, forcing sellers to either absorb the additional expenses or pass them on to consumers through higher prices. This could lead to reduced consumer demand, as higher prices may deter shoppers from purchasing goods on Amazon's platform. Additionally, the elimination of duty exemptions on minor imports—previously advantageous for discount platforms such as Temu and Shein—has disrupted Amazon's competitive pricing strategy. While this change may level the playing field among e-commerce platforms, it also raises operational costs for Amazon's marketplace vendors who had relied on these exemptions. Earnings Pressure The tariffs are projected to slash Amazon's annual operating profits by $5 billion to $10 billion due to increased merchandise costs. Goldman Sachs estimates that these costs could rise by 15% to 20%, further straining profitability. While Amazon has historically maintained lower prices compared to competitors, absorbing these increased expenses without raising prices significantly may be unsustainable in the long term. Moreover, fears of inflation resurgence due to Trump's trade policies could further dampen consumer purchasing power. This would likely lead to lower sales volumes and additional pressure on profit margins across Amazon's retail operations. Potential Mitigation Strategies To counteract these challenges, Amazon may implement several measures: Vendor Negotiations. The company could negotiate with suppliers to share the burden of increased input costs rather than bearing them entirely. Price Adjustments. Selective price increases on certain products may help offset rising costs without alienating customers entirely. Supply Chain Diversification. Shifting sourcing away from heavily tariffed regions like China or focusing more on domestic suppliers could reduce exposure to trade disruptions. Focus on Services. Amazon’s cloud division, AWS, contributes significantly to its operating income (58% in Q4 2024) and remains largely unaffected by tariffs. Increased emphasis on AWS could help mitigate losses from retail operations. Technical challenge The main technical graph indicates on Bearish market in development, with nearly 30% potential to further decline, down to major 10-year average support. Conclusion Trump’s tariffs have created substantial headwinds for Amazon by driving up costs and disrupting its supply chain. These challenges have led to stock declines, reduced revenue potential, and significant earnings pressure. While Amazon is exploring mitigation strategies such as vendor negotiations and diversification, the long-term impact will depend on how effectively the company adapts its operations amidst ongoing trade tensions. -- Best 'Apparatchik' wishes, PandorraResearch Team 😎
NASDAQ:AMZN
by PandorraResearch
Trump Goes 'Cynosure' of All Eyes as He Walked Into '1930' RoomThe Striking Parallels Between Trump's 2025 Tariffs and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 The recent trade policies under President Trump's second administration bear remarkable similarities to the controversial Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, both in approach and potential consequences. These parallels offer important historical lessons about protectionist trade policies. Protectionist Foundations and Scope Both trade initiatives share fundamentally protectionist motivations aimed at shielding American industries from foreign competition. The Smoot-Hawley Act increased import duties by approximately 20% with the initial goal of protecting struggling U.S. farmers from European agricultural imports. Similarly, Trump's 2025 trade agenda explicitly aims at "backing the United States away from integration with the global economy and steering the country toward becoming more self-contained". What began as targeted protections in both eras quickly expanded in scope. While Smoot-Hawley initially focused on agricultural protections, industry lobbyists soon demanded similar protections for their sectors. Trump's tariffs have followed a comparable pattern, beginning with specific sectors but rapidly expanding to affect a broad range of imports, with projected tariffs exceeding $1.4 trillion by April 2025—nearly four times the $380 billion imposed during his first administration. Specific Tariff Examples The parallel implementation approaches are notable: Trump imposed a 25% global tariff on steel and aluminum products effective March 12, 2025 Trump raised tariffs on all Chinese imports to 20% on March 4, 2025 Trump imposed 25% tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods Smoot-Hawley increased overall import duties by approximately 20% Smoot-Hawley raised the average import tax on foreign goods to about 40% (following the Fordney-McCumber Act of 1922) Global Retaliation and Economic Consequences Perhaps the most striking similarity is the international backlash. The Smoot-Hawley tariffs triggered retaliatory measures from over 25 countries, dramatically reducing global trade and worsening the Great Depression. Trump's 2025 tariffs have already prompted counter-tariffs from major trading partners: China responded with 15% tariffs on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, and 10% on oil and agricultural machines Canada implemented 25% tariffs on approximately CA$30 billion of U.S. goods The European Union announced tariffs on €4.5 billion of U.S. consumer goods and €18 billion of U.S. steel and agricultural products Expert Opposition Both policies faced significant opposition from economic experts. More than 1,000 economists urged President Hoover to veto the Smoot-Hawley Act. Trump's 2025 tariffs? Reaction is coming yet... Potential Economic Impact The historical record suggests caution. The Smoot-Hawley Act is "now widely blamed for worsening the severity of the Great Depression in the U.S. and around the world". Trump's "more audacious intervention" similarly carries "potentially seismic consequences for jobs, prices, diplomatic relations and the global trading system". These striking parallels between trade policies nearly a century apart demonstrate that economic nationalism and retaliatory trade cycles remain persistent challenges in international commerce, with historical lessons that remain relevant today. Stock market Impact Just watch the graph.. -- Best wishes, Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
SP:SPX
by PandorraResearch
Wall Street vs GoldZilla. The End of 'Irrational Exuberance' Era"Irrational exuberance" is the phrase used by the then-Federal Reserve Board chairman, Alan Greenspan, in a speech given at the American Enterprise Institute during the dot-com bubble of the 1990s. The phrase was interpreted as a warning that the stock market might be overvalued. Origin Greenspan's comment was made during a televised speech on December 5, 1996 (emphasis added in excerpt) Clearly, sustained low inflation implies less uncertainty about the future, and lower risk premiums imply higher prices of stocks and other earning assets. We can see that in the inverse relationship exhibited by price/earnings ratios and the rate of inflation in the past. But how do we know when irrational exuberance has unduly escalated asset values, which then become subject to unexpected and prolonged contractions as they have in Japan over the past decade? Greenspan wrote in his 2008 book that the phrase occurred to him in the bathtub while he was writing a speech. The irony of the phrase and its aftermath lies in Greenspan's widely held reputation as the most artful practitioner of Fedspeak, often known as Greenspeak, in the modern televised era. The speech coincided with the rise of dedicated financial TV channels around the world that would broadcast his comments live, such as CNBC. Greenspan's idea was to obfuscate his true opinion in long complex sentences with obscure words so as to intentionally mute any strong market response. The phrase was also used by Yale professor Robert J. Shiller, who was reportedly Greenspan's source for the phrase. Shiller used it as the title of his book, Irrational Exuberance, first published in 2000, where Shiller states: Irrational exuberance is the psychological basis of a speculative bubble. I define a speculative bubble as a situation in which news of price increases spurs investor enthusiasm, which spreads by psychological contagion from person to person, in the process amplifying stories that might justify the price increases, and bringing in a larger and larger class of investors who, despite doubts about the real value of an investment, are drawn to it partly by envy of others' successes and partly through a gamblers' excitement. The main technical graph represents a value of S&P500 Index in Gold troy ounces (current value 1.81 at time of writing this article), indicates that effusive Bull stock market goes collapsing. -- Best wishes, Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
SP:SPX
by PandorraResearch
Meta Stock Goes 'Untoward', Fall Off The Cliff 200-Day SMAMeta's Descent into Bearish Territory. Understanding the 2025 Stock Crash Meta Platforms has recently slipped into bearish territory, with its stock experiencing a significant downturn in early 2025. As of March 31, 2025, Meta shares trade at $576.74, reflecting more than 20.0% decline over the past month and erasing all year-to-date gains. This analysis examines the key factors driving Meta's bearish turn and what it means for investors. Disappointing Financial Outlook and Investment Costs Meta's stock decline comes despite previously strong performance, with the company's shares shedding 22% from their February 18, 2025 peak. Although Meta reported robust Q4 2024 profits, its outlook for Q1 2025 has significantly disappointed investors. The company's forward-looking EPS for Q1 2025 is projected at $5.25, raising sustainability concerns despite the previous quarter's EPS of $8.02 beating estimates. A major contributor to investor anxiety is Meta's massive capital expenditure plans. The company has projected spending $60-$65 billion in 2025 on AI infrastructure alone, raising concerns about cash flow strain if revenue growth falters. These high fixed costs associated with AI investments, including data centers and engineering talent, create particular vulnerability during economic downturns. Metaverse Losses Continue to Drain Resources The company's Reality Labs division, responsible for virtual and augmented reality initiatives, continues to be a significant financial drag. This division lost $13.7 billion in 2022 alone with no clear path to profitability. Despite CEO Mark Zuckerberg's continued commitment to the metaverse vision, investor sentiment has soured on these costly experiments as they continue to consume capital without generating meaningful returns. Broader Market Pressures and Industry Positioning Meta's decline isn't occurring in isolation. It represents the last of the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks to turn negative for the year, with the Bloomberg Magnificent 7 Total Return Index down 16% in 2025. The Nasdaq Composite has faced significant correction, declining 7.3% year-to-date and over 12% from its peak. This market-wide pressure stems from persistent inflation concerns, Federal Reserve interest rate policies, and growing recession fears, creating a particularly challenging environment for growth-oriented technology stocks like Meta. Influential Market Moves and Analyst Adjustments Notable market participants have signaled caution regarding Meta's prospects. Cathie Wood's ARK Invest sold over $7 million in Meta stock (12,000 shares) on March 18, 2025—its first Meta sell-off in nearly a year. This high-profile divestment has further fueled bearish sentiment among investors. Similarly, analysts have begun adjusting their outlook. KeyBanc Capital Markets recently downgraded its price target on Meta from $750 to $710, citing "greater macro uncertainty" and competitive pressures. This downgrade reflects growing concerns about Meta's ability to maintain growth momentum in the current economic climate. External Challenges Mounting Meta faces increasing competitive threats from platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, which continue to draw user attention and advertising dollars. Additionally, regulatory headwinds loom large, with an upcoming FTC trial on April 14, 2025, potentially forcing Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp—a prospect that has further spooked investors. In conclusion, Meta stock now stands at a critical juncture, with investors carefully watching whether this represents a temporary correction or the beginning of a more prolonged bearish phase. -- Best wishes, Your Beloved @PandorraResearch Team 😎
NASDAQ:META
by PandorraResearch
5
Gold Prices Doubled in 5 years. What Does It 'Historically' MeanOver the past five years, Gold prices OANDA:XAUUSD have experienced a significant surge, doubling in value over the past 5 years, from mid-March 2020 to mid-March 2025. This is the 3rd time in history ever, the price of gold doubled in U.S. dollars (we counted only events when it has been observed first time only over 5-years time span). 🥇 The 1st time "A Doubling" event happened in the first quarter of 1973, when Gold hit $80 mark per ounce (google: "1973 Arab–Israeli War"). ⚒ What happened next with Gold prices after that? - Hmm.. Gold doubled in price again! (and even more) over the next three years. Watch historical charts to learn more. ⚒ S&P500 Index folded in half over the same next three years. 🥇 The 2nd time "A Doubling" event happened more than 30 years later, in the first quarter of 2006 when Gold prices hit $500 barrier by the end of the year 2005, for the first time since 1987. Some analysts blamed inflation in the US and concerns about the state of the global economy. ⚒ What happened next with Gold price after that? - Hmm.... Gold price also doubled in price again! (and even more) over next three years. Watch again historical charts to learn more. ⚒ S&P500 Index folded in half again over the same next three years (google: "2008 financial crisis"). 🥇 Now is the 3rd time "A Doubling" event has happened with Gold prices, first time over last almost 20 years. Several factors have contributed to this increase, including economic uncertainty, inflation fears, geopolitical tensions, central bank activity, and investment demand. Economic Uncertainty: Times of economic turmoil often drive investors towards gold as a safe haven asset. The increase in global economic uncertainty has been a primary driver of gold's price surge. Inflation: The threat of inflation also contributes to the rising price of gold. Investors often turn to gold as a hedge against the devaluation of fiat currencies during inflationary periods. Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical instability encourages investors to seek safe-haven assets like gold. The Ukraine war, along with conflicts in the Middle East, have further fueled the rise in gold prices. Central Bank Demand: Central banks' buying and easing cycles influence gold prices. Central banks often purchase gold to diversify their reserve holdings, and this demand can impact gold prices significantly. Investment Demand: Demand from technology, jewelry, and investors influences gold prices. Gold price movements are sometimes driven by investor demand. -- Best #GODL (Gold On Dear Life) wishes, @PandorraResearch Team
FXOPEN:XAUUSD
by PandorraResearch