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Tariffs

Trump Returns to the White House: Tariffs EyedToday’s inauguration is undoubtedly a big event for traders, analysts, and the global economy. Everyone is watching. Let’s be frank: regardless of your opinion of Donald Trump or his proposed policies, his Presidential election win over Democrat candidate Kamala Harris on 5 November 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. It was a sweeping victory, and Trump returns to the White House today. Trump’s inauguration is expected to begin at 5:00 pm GMT (midday EST) and marks the start of his second term in office. Robust Economy Provides ‘Tariff’ Legroom for Trump While tariffs are undoubtedly inbound, it is unclear what plans Trump will pursue and when he will implement these strategies. Investors are concerned that imposing tariffs could stoke inflation and hinder consumption (and consequently put the brakes on economic growth). According to the latest data (December 2024), we have seen an uptick in US inflation. Year-on-year (YY), CPI inflation (Consumer Price Index) rose for a third consecutive month to 2.9%, PPI inflation (Producer Price Index) also increased for a third straight month to 3.3%, and the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) primary measure of inflation, the PCE Index (Personal Consumption Expenditures), is hovering just north of the Fed’s 2.0% inflation target at 2.4% (for November 2024). This, coupled with real US GDP (Gross Domestic Product) running at an annualised rate of 3.1% in Q3 24 and jobs data showing that the US economy added 256,000 new payrolls in December 2024, reveals Trump has legroom (some ‘cover’ if you will) to impose tariffs early on in his tenure. Trump Tariff ‘Threats’ So Far Speculation regarding the possibility of as many as 100 executive orders being signed today has been circulating the wires. Plenty of ambiguity is unquestionably present heading into today’s event, and the market dislikes uncertainty. Concerning tariff ‘plans’, Trump has floated several possible approaches, including 100% tariffs against BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) unless their governments commit to the US dollar (USD), as well as tariff threats against Canada, China, and Mexico. Trump voiced intentions of introducing 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico and adding an additional 10% tariff on goods from China. What Will I Be Watching Today? Today, I will primarily be looking for any direction on tariffs, particularly concerning Canada, Mexico, and China. Let’s assume Trump follows through on his threats to Canada and Mexico. A 25% tariff (or more) applied on goods from Canada and Mexico will prompt upside in currency pairs like the USD/CAD (US dollar versus the Canadian dollar) and USD/MXN (US dollar versus the Mexican peso) – for those who monitor implied volatility, check out USD/CAD; we are at levels not seen since early 2023! A 25% tariff on the aforesaid countries will also likely trigger a bid in the US Dollar Index and absorb offers around major resistance at 109.33. In contrast, major US equity indexes are expected to take a hit in this scenario. Another observation I feel needs some consideration is the USD positioning heading into this event. The USD is particularly stretched to the upside for those who monitor COT data (Commitment of Traders report). However, although this may be the case, I still expect USD outperformance on the back of 25% tariffs. Nevertheless, were Trump to pursue a lower tariff rate for Canada and Mexico or not to pursue tariffs at all, a considerable unwind in USD longs is possible, and downside in USD/CAD, USD/MXN, as well as the US Dollar Index, would be on the table (upside in US equities). A situation without tariffs would create considerable volatility and open the door to shorting opportunities in key currency pairs. Regarding China, if Trump were to follow through and impose a 10% additional tariff, this would likely send USD/CNY northbound (US dollar versus the Chinese yuan). Additionally, I expect the AUD/USD (Australian dollar versus the US dollar) and NZD/USD (New Zealand dollar versus the US dollar) pairs to trade lower, given their trading relationships with China. I also believe US and Chinese equity markets will sell off. Less than a 10% tariff or no tariffs on China would likely underpin AUD/USD, NZD/USD, and the noted equity markets (but weigh on the USD/CNY). Looking closely at the S&P 500, you will note that longer-term weekly action ended last Friday in the shape of a bullish engulfing formation, following a shallow correction from all-time highs of 6,099. This, together with the clear-cut uptrend and daily price climbing above its 50-day simple moving average at 5,967 (and a lack of obvious daily resistance), places bulls in a favourable position to challenge all-time highs, technically speaking. Written by FP Markets Market Analyst Aaron Hill
SP:SPXLong
by FPMarkets
Gold - Ready to break higher as tariff tensions escalateGold has made modest ground through Asia, adding $8 on the day, however, the news flow certainly suggests a higher probability that we could soon see increasing buying flows, as investors start to seek out portfolio protection from the incoming tariff hostilities. News that China added to its gold reserves for a second consecutive month in December, taking its reserves rise to 73.29m ounces from 72.96m in November, is one supportive factor. Another could be its role as a hedge against the impending tariff news flow. Tariffs are well known to markets and the idea that Trump will come in on 20 January and put through orders to hit various economies with tariffs is firmly discounted. What is not priced is aspect of the counter response and the potential retaliation measures…. Of course, It’s not as if anyone expects those nations targeted by Trump’s tariffs to simply take it without a counter response, but it depends on what that response looks like and whether it leads to a painful and protracted tit for tat ‘battle’ that plays out on socials and the media headlines. Today, amid Justin Trudeau’s resignation, speculation in the Canadian press suggested the Canadians could preannounce a list of US goods that will face retaliatory tariffs in the case of Trump hitting them with 25% tax on all Canadian products. Publishing this list before Trump takes office would be seen as a step in aggression and would not be taken well by either Trump and Jamieson Greer. In China/HK, the US Defence department has added Tencent to its list of Chinese military companies operating in the US. Not a tariff as such, but this geopolitical development would be a big surprise, not just to the company (shares are -7.3%), but would be seen as an act in bad faith by the Chinese government. China themselves would be preparing for the worst when it comes to tariffs – they have not adhered to any of promises made in the prior agreements to buy certain US goods in a gesture to reduce the US trade deficit. Trump will use that as in his negotiations, and if there is one economy that is unlikely to get much of a cushion in the upcoming trade talks, its China. How will China respond? Depreciate the RMB, look at trade ties with other nations (we’re certainly seeing that with China-Mexico forging ties) or come back with counter tariffs on US imports. The Washington Post reported yesterday that Trump’s aides were exploring universal tariffs only on critical imports and not on all goods – a fact that that was quickly shut down by Trump. If the WaPo are credible, and many suspect this will be the case, it ultimately could be a positive for risk in the long run. However, in the near-term, if the Canadian news comes to fruition, I think it opens the idea that we should prepare now for tit for tat retaliation, and its here where investors may start to look at gold as a hedge against this impending hawkish news flow. So, while it all depends how hard ball each party wants to appear, it could create a new level of noise and uncertainty that could see higher market volatility and push gold through the range highs of $2726 and towards $2800.
PEPPERSTONE:XAUUSDLong
by Pepperstone
USD/MXN Soars Above 20.81266 Amid Tariff TensionsThe USD/MXN pair has surged above 20.81266, marking its weakest level since March 2022. This sharp movement is driven by Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico, which poses significant risks to Mexico's economy, particularly affecting the crucial auto sector. With the US accounting for over 83% of Mexico's exports, these tariffs could disrupt the trade balance and amplify peso volatility, leading to increased investor uncertainty and potential capital outflow. The Mexican peso has depreciated approximately 20% this year, compounded by concerns over fiscal expansion and a robust US dollar. Retaliatory tariff measures suggested by President Claudia Sheinbaum could further complicate the trade landscape, exacerbating tensions. Traders should closely monitor developments in US-Mexico trade policies and potential domestic policy responses in Mexico. Given the prevailing uncertainty, market participants may seek safer assets, which could further impact USD/MXN movements
by tastyfx
USD/CAD INSANE 22 Year Cup & Handle about to explode higherWith this week's announcement of 25% duties on MX & CA one would do well to survey the markets for opportunities. What better way to push through a trade of this nature than the FX markets?! The first thing to check in any FX trade is rate differentials: CA 10Y: 3.22% US 10Y: 4.27% MX 10Y: 9.99% The carry trade dictates we want to be long the currency with a higher yield, and our suspicion given tariffs tend to strengthen the country levying tariffs means we want to be long USD. MX offers a much higher yield so that would offset the potential in taking a short position on USD/MXN. CA on the other hand has a modest 1% discount to the US 10Y bond. Moreover, rates in the US look fairly steady, and pressure from the tariffs could cause CA to cut in support of its economy. A technical inspection of USD/CAD shows a staggering 22 year cup and handle formation on the pair. Now could be the right time to accumulate a leveraged FX position, as this trade could have years ahead of it with the advent of a 4 year Trump term.
Long
by quickshiftinn
2
USD/CAD price action: Trump's tariffs and the loonieUSD/CAD is approaching 1.4180, its lowest since mid-2020, influenced by Trump's recent 25% tariff hike impacting Canadian exports like oil, gas, and vehicles. While these tariffs pose challenges, Canada's economy shows resilience with higher-than-expected inflation and strong employment data, reducing the likelihood of significant rate cuts by the Bank of Canada. Concurrently, the US dollar strengthens, supported by anticipated policy changes and tariff impacts.
by tastyfx
AUD Relief Rally to Get Chinese SupportMarkets have been dreadfully negative in recent weeks but we have in recent days begun a relief rally in US stocks and most FX pairs. AUD has led higher after new election and new China friendlier party in charge. On that note china made first high level contact in 2 years. We like AUD to rally with stocks and sentiment alone but the kicker would be if US drops tariffs on China and they reciprocate by dropping tariffs on Australia wine/coal. easyMarkets Account on TradingView allows you to combine easyMarkets industry leading conditions, regulated trading and tight fixed spreads with TradingView's powerful social network for traders, advanced charting and analytics. Access no slippage on limit orders, tight fixed spreads, negative balance protection, no hidden fees or commission, and seamless integration. “Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, are intended only to be informative, is not an advice nor a recommendation, nor research, or a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument and thus should not be treated as such. The information provided does not involve any specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Please be aware, that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and/or results. Past Performance or Forward-looking scenarios based upon the reasonable beliefs of the third-party provider are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. easyMarkets makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based o n a recommendation, forecast or any information supplied by any third-party."
Long
by easyMarkets
Sell in May and Go Away? You Might Want to Watch These LevelsThe S&P 500 is coming under pressure as we enter May. The old adage “sell in May and go away,” worked last year, but this month has mostly been positive since 2013. There are obviously much bigger issues now than typical seasonality, especially after April’s huge bounce. The bulls have priced in significant recovery for the market, which creates the risk of selling the news as social distancing ends. It also opens the door to potentially new bearish narratives, like renewed trade tensions with China. If you’re waiting and watching to see how things play out, three potential areas could be important on the S&P 500’s chart. First is the current level around 2820, which is near the bottom from last August. Next is roughly 2728. This low from 11 months ago briefly provided support March 9-11 and again on April 21. It's also near the 50-day simple moving average (SMA), which has been knifing lower. Traders may want to test that line. If 2728 fails, the next clear support area could be much lower: between 2467 and 2480. The first line we outlined here . The second was a weekly low March 9-13.
SP:SPX
by TradeStation
Beware a possible market topLast month, I posted an article here on TradingView in which I mentioned three indicators that 2020 might be a banner year for stocks. We had had a strong Santa Claus rally and a strong "first five days" of the year, I pointed out, and unless there was a major end-of-month correction, we were on course to have a strong January. All three of those indicators are highly predictive of full-year performance. Well, guess what? We got a strong end-of-month correction, and we ended January down 0.04% overall. That means we only got 2 out of the 3 bullish indicators, with overall January performance implying a bear year ahead. Lately we've been rallying from that late January correction, but I'm not sure it can last. If China hadn't announced the removal of half its tariffs, the market would already have resumed a down trend due to growing coronavirus risk. The reality is that coronavirus impact is likely to be larger than the impact of a 50% tariff cut. Analysts are expecting 15% China production cuts in the auto industry, for instance, and oil prices already reflect a huge impact on travel and shipping. So far it's just international travel, shipping, and demand that are affected, but you can probably expect a larger impact on domestic markets within a month or two. My model suggests that the current global count of about 31,500 coronavirus cases is likely to grow to 190,000 by the end of February. (y = 126.23x2 - 1E+07x + 2E+11; R² = 0.999. See my Twitter page @WSPZoo for the graph.) What might be the impact of coronavirus? Well, a quick review of a 2014 study on Spanish flu in Sweden-- where infection and mortality rates were similar to coronavirus-- suggests that capital returns fell by about 1%, and the poorhouse rate was about 11% higher in the hardest-hit areas than in the least-affected areas (due mostly to kids losing their parents). With the banking sector in the US currently very exposed to any increase in the poverty rate due to higher-than-2007-levels of subprime lending, I'd suggest coronavirus substantially increases the risk of another cascade of defaults like the one that triggered the 2008 Great Recession. The US also has a trillion-dollar deficit and low interest rates, leaving perhaps little room for fiscal stimulus if GDP growth should slow on the order of 1%. In short, this is very worrying. The tariff news will buoy us a little, but I'm not sure how long it will last. If we end the day down today, then we will have made a bearish divergence on the RSI. And if we end the day down tomorrow, that'll probably give us a bear divergence peak on the MACD as well. I have already changed my allocation to about 75% cash, and it may be a while before I re-enter on anything but a few small option positions.
TVC:NDQLong
by ChristopherCarrollSmith
US Steel could pop on USMCA newsNews of the pending approval of the USMCA trade deal has been somewhat eclipsed by news of the signing of the Phase 1 China trade deal. However, the reality is that the USMCA deal has larger implications than the China deal, since we do a lot more trade with Canda and Mexico than with China. One sector affected by the deal is the U.S. steel industry, because the deal closes loopholes that foreign steelmakers have used to bypass steel tariffs when selling to U.S. manufacturers. That could give steelmaker stocks like X and AKS a nice bump when the media breaks the news of the deal passing in the Senate. However, any bump in steel stocks may be short-term, because the loophole closure is scheduled to take 7 years to go into effect. So I suggest treating this as a quick scalp play, at least until the U.S. manufacturing sector starts to recover.
NYSE:XLong
by ChristopherCarrollSmith
2
Deere Trying to Break Loose Before China DealTractor maker Deere might be setting up for a breakout as the U.S. and China move toward a trade deal. DE has been consolidating in an extremely tight range for the last four weeks. It's pressed against near-term resistance around $177. Meanwhile the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) has squeezed up from below as support. The company's backward-looking results haven't been terrific. Management guided lower on November 27, citing the trade war. But now the market is looking past that with Vice Premier Liu He scheduled to sign "phase one" at the White House on January 15. Agricultural exports to the Asian country are a big part of that deal. DE is perhaps the most straightforward name for large institutional investors in the U.S. to position for the news. Buyers may get more active if DE breaks the weekly high near $177. The 50-day SMA can be used for risk management if it goes the other way.
NYSE:DELong
by TradeStation
AUD/USD: Bulls Take Control in Short Term Technically bullish - currently overbought, AUD/USD should make a break above 0.70000 price level after some slight consolidation/ pullback. US-China Trade developments will continue to take the spotlight for AUD pairs in 2020; With Phase 1 Deal to be signed sometime in January, (which includes Tariff reductions) AU bulls should temporarily take control..and then we move into Phase 2 of 3.. RBA expected to cut cash rate at their February meeting in order to further support growth for small businesses in particular. FED expected to stay on hold. Support levels: 0.6940 0.6900 0.6865 Resistance levels: 0.7000 0.7035 0.7070 *Trade at you own risk off of your own analysis ;) -Krecioch
by Krecioch
1
ORBEX: Risk Up on LOWER TARIFFS As China Announces Import Cuts!China announced they will be lowering tariffs on a number of items come January 1st, making markets looking more festive ahead of Christmas! Aussie and Kiwi took the headlines with a positive tone, however, Cable kept entering lower territories on the back on post-election no-deal fears! Will the Santa rally continue? Have a look at our Elliott Wave analysis for further clues! Timestamp AUDUSD 2H 01:15 NZDUSD 2H 04:10 GBPUSD 2H 06:20
by Orbex
15 December, the US will implement tariffs on $156B on ChinaTo offset the additional tariffs the CNY would have to depreciate - although the Chinese authorities have said that they won't pursue quantitative easing. If there is a formal announcement to suspend or delay the tariffs, the market would expect a more positive risk reaction and that is currently being priced in. WIth the USDCNY trading around the 6.90 and below the 7.00 psychological level that was key back in the summer. If Phase one of the deal does not pass and the tariffs go-ahead, we would expect the USDCNY to trade above the 7.100
by ForexVox
Playing Mattel's momentum?Technical MAT broke and sustained its 200sma resistance a couple of days ago. Todays candle above the trend (pink trend line) are confirmation MAT longer downtrend might be over. Fundamental / News December 15th tariffs were removed, easing pressures for them. However, 25% tariffs will remain on $250 billion Chinese imports and 7.5% will be put on much of the remainder. Mattel (MAT) said Monday, December 9th, that it plans to offer $600 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2027 to institutional buyers, subject to market conditions and other factors.
NASDAQ:MATLong
by dorfmanmaster
Why I reallocated most of my tech and retail to pharma and cashToday the market surged higher despite the worst jobless claims data since September 2017 and also despite reports that Trump has no intention of delaying the December 15 tariff deadline. Investors apparently are betting that an eleventh-hour deal will get made before Sunday, but personally I'm not willing to gamble on that. If the US does impose $150 billion of new tariffs on consumer goods from China, retail companies and tech companies will be disproportionately affected. I shuffled some of my tech and retail shares into weed stock Aurora Cannabis and pharmaceutical companies Amyris and Lannett this morning after seeing some positive headlines about those companies. I also bought small positions in a gold miners fund and an inverse oil fund just for funsies. Those should both gain if no trade deal materializes. Most of my money is now in cash, however, and I will choose a re-entry once I know what's going on with tariffs. I will definitely miss some profit if a deal gets made, but that's okay. I take safer bets; I don't play Trump roulette.
SP:SPX
by ChristopherCarrollSmith
6
Potential Bull Flag in General Electric as Industrials ClimbIndustrial stocks have come to life since early October as investors look for the economy to recover from the U.S. – China trade war. Now one of the biggest and most liquid names in the entire sector is rebounding from a pullback, and a classic bull-flag continuation pattern may be taking shape. General Electric reported a potentially transformative quarter on October 30. Strong free cash flow dispelled worries about its balance sheet -- similar to the story in Tesla . In both cases, big obstacles that once kept some investors on the sidelines could be going away. GE gapped higher after that report and then pulled back. It found support at the same $10.70 - $10.80 area that was resistance in June and July. It's climbing again today following an upgrade by UBS, which raised it price target to $14. It is a strong news-driven move with the potential for brief consolidation, so traders may find some opportunities closer to $11.20. Energy is another potential catalyst because GE owns about one-third of oil-field servicing company Baker Hughes . This has also been one of the stronger niches in the market over the last week, and also stands to benefit from trade optimism potentially lifting crude.
NYSE:GELong
by TradeStation
US could impose 100% tariffs on French goods after Google taxWhat was President Macron thinking about designing a tax for tech companies... A quick reminder, it will be separated in two categories — marketplace (Amazon’s marketplace, Uber, Airbnb…) and advertising (Facebook, Google, Criteo…). Despite the fact it wasnt planned specifically for American companies, the vast majority of big tech companies that operate in France are American. Thus, a company that generates more than €750 million in global revenue and €25 million in France, will have to pay 3% of the French revenue in taxes. As expected, the U.S. Trade Representative claimed that“France’s Digital Services Tax (DST) discriminates against U.S. companies, is inconsistent with prevailing principles of international tax policy, and is unusually burdensome for affected U.S. companies.” And, as a result, now we might see tariffs that could be as high as 100% on French goods (wine, cheese, handbags…). What is going to happen now? Frnce will say that the response will be equally damaging, but i personally doubt they manage to impose significant tariffs unless the whole European Union agrees to cooperate and istart acting. However, even in this case no one can guarantee that th EU will achieve something worthwhile... So, with a high probability we will see another decrease in the Cac-40.
NASDAQ:CACShort
by Market_Referee
ORBEX: Weekend Trade News Likely to Affect SPX, DXY!In today’s marketinsights video recording, I talk about SPX and DXY . SPX takes a breather from all-time highs offering some pocket-relief to short-term bulls, however, with weekend trade headline news the rally could continue higher. The US index looks bid too despite the medium-term bearishness as the economy performs incredibly well, supporting the dollar. From a technical perspective, there's more room to the upside for both. The index, however, will most likely have a harder trip moving higher as its upside is limited. Unless if of course a sharp bullish move occurs, taking out breakeven stops and then reversing rapidly to everyone's surprise. Stavros Tousios Head of Investment Research Orbex This analysis is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice.
OANDA:SPX500USD
by Orbex