Ep. 240: Ebrahim Rahbari on US Election Trades, Fed Cycle and German Challenges
Nov 1, 2024
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Ebrahim Rahbari, an independent strategist and former Chief Currency Strategist at Citi, dives into the intriguing dynamics of the upcoming US elections. He discusses strategies for navigating market uncertainties, emphasizing how a Trump or Harris victory could impact financial trends. The conversation also explores the surprising resilience of the US economy amidst recession fears, alongside insights into inflation, policy implications, and the challenges facing Germany. Rahbari offers valuable advice for young professionals seeking longevity in their careers.
Ebrahim Rahbari emphasizes the significance of swing states in the US elections and forecasts potential market volatility linked to political outcomes.
He expresses optimism about the US economy's resilience, anticipating higher inflation rates influenced by government spending and economic policies.
Deep dives
Ebrahim Rabari's Career Path
Ebrahim Rabari shares his academic journey, detailing his studies in economics and the early signs that pointed him toward a career in finance. He highlights his curiosity about how economies function at both macro and micro levels, which led to a PhD in economics. His career began at Citi, where he collaborated with the chief economist during a significant period marked by the global financial crisis. This experience influenced his perspective on economic policy, ultimately steering him toward a focus on market dynamics and strategies for investors.
The Impact of the Upcoming US Elections
The discussion revolves around the implications of the upcoming US elections, with a particular focus on the Republican Party's position. Rabari analyzes various surveys that indicate a potential shift in power, suggesting the Republicans, particularly Trump, have a favorable outlook. He notes discrepancies between polling predictions and actual performances, emphasizing the importance of swing states in the election outcome. The conversation touches upon how early voting trends and potential turnout may influence the results, making these elections particularly critical for investors.
Market Reactions to Election Outcomes
Rabari elaborates on how investors approach the uncertainty surrounding elections, focusing on the visible nature of the event and the resultant risk premiums in the market. He highlights that typically, equities may reflect a sideways trend before elections, leading to a rise in prices afterward as uncertainty dissipates. Historically, he notes that significant election events create volatility, which can lead to opportunities in risk assets post-election. Rabari suggests strategies for positioning in equities and bonds based on the expected outcomes of the election.
Future Economic Landscape and Inflation Trends
The conversation delves into the outlook for the US economy, with Rabari expressing optimism based on strong household and corporate balance sheets. He points out the potential for a persistent inflation rate higher than 2%, fueled by increased government spending and structural fiscal policies. As the economy shows resilience, Rabari advises investors to prepare for possible higher interest rates driven by robust inflation expectations. He concludes by noting the necessity for ongoing monitoring of economic indicators to navigate the shifting economic landscape effectively.
Ebrahim Rahbari is an independent strategist and economist. Previously, he was Chief Currency Strategist and Global Head of Foreign Exchange Analysis at Citi. The team was top ranked in the Institutional Investor Global Fixed Income Survey. Prior to that, Ebrahim was Head of Global Macroeconomics at Citi. Ebrahim studied at Oxford and holds a PhD in Economics from London Business School. In this podcast we discuss how to play US elections, short- and long-term impacts of a Trump or Harris win, why US economy is doing well, and much more.