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Trump’s Economic Policies Expected to Drive Inflation, Affect Global Markets
With former President Donald Trump’s historic reelection victory, financial experts warn that inflation is likely to rise in the United States and globally if Trump implements his campaign pledges, which include aggressive tax cuts, strict immigration policies, and high tariffs on imported goods. CNN projected Trump’s victory on Wednesday, securing him a second term in office alongside a Republican majority in the Senate, positioning him to enact a potentially transformative economic agenda.
U.S. stock markets surged following Trump’s win, and the dollar strengthened against major currencies as traders braced for increased inflation and fewer interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at Ebury, noted that a stronger dollar reflects investor expectations that Trump’s policies—particularly on tariffs and immigration—will boost inflation and potentially lead to elevated interest rates.
“Investors are bracing for tariffs… which will push up the price of imported goods for American shoppers,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown. Trump’s promise of mass deportations could also raise wage costs for U.S. companies by limiting the labor pool, she added.
Higher Tariffs on Imports
During his campaign, Trump proposed raising tariffs to 10-20% on all imported goods, a drastic increase from the current 2% average, with a 60% tariff specifically on Chinese imports. He has also suggested tariffs as high as 200% on cars manufactured in Mexico or by U.S. companies that relocate production there. According to analysts, these tariffs would act as a tax on imports, increasing costs for consumers and businesses reliant on imported materials.
Economists warn that higher tariffs could disrupt the Federal Reserve’s interest rate strategy. Nomura analysts indicated that due to anticipated inflation from tariffs, they now expect only one rate cut in 2025, with policy likely remaining on hold until inflation subsides.
Impact on Global Markets and Trade
The effects of Trump’s tariffs could reverberate beyond U.S. borders. If trading partners impose retaliatory tariffs on American exports, global inflation could rise, potentially stunting world trade and economic growth. “A material increase in global inflation would follow, while the ensuing hit to world trade would negatively impact growth,” noted Investec chief economist Philip Shaw and economist Ellie Henderson.
A stronger dollar could also impact global inflation, particularly for countries that rely on commodities priced in U.S. dollars. As the dollar gains strength, these countries may face higher costs for essential goods, which companies would either have to absorb or pass on to consumers. This effect could force adjustments in international markets, with some countries like China potentially offloading excess goods to other nations with lower tariffs, possibly dampening inflation in those areas.
Risks for Key Trading Partners
Economies heavily reliant on U.S. exports, such as Canada and Mexico, may feel the direct impact of Trump’s tariffs. BMI, a market research firm under Fitch Solutions, warned that Mexico, Canada, and other nations with trade surpluses, including China, Japan, Germany, and South Korea, could face pressure to increase imports of U.S. goods. A 60% tariff on Chinese goods alone could cut China’s economic growth by up to 0.8 percentage points over the next two years, according to BMI.
German exporters could also experience significant setbacks if Trump enacts a 20% tariff on all trading partners. The Ifo Institute for Economic Research in Munich warned that German exports to the U.S.—its largest market outside the EU—could drop by around 15%, potentially posing a severe economic challenge for both Germany and the EU.
As Trump prepares to implement his economic agenda, economists expect a turbulent period for global markets, marked by inflationary pressures, potential trade conflicts, and shifting alliances.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
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