This is about business cycles, not who's going to be president
Nov 4, 2024
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Eric Basmajian, a business cycle expert, discusses how presidential elections impact economic trends. Joining him are Michael Gayed, who analyzes sector opportunities depending on political outcomes, and Chaim Siegel, offering insights on geopolitical influences. They explore how market sentiment and tariffs could affect companies in a Trump scenario. The trio emphasizes that economic cycles matter more than individual politicians, dissecting cumulative inflation's impact and the potential ramifications of shifting U.S. leadership on global markets.
Business cycles are largely stable regardless of the political winner, with significant economic shifts requiring unprecedented government spending changes.
Geopolitical dynamics, especially regarding tariffs and international relations, are crucial for investors to assess potential market impacts and risks.
Deep dives
Business Cycle Dynamics and Political Influence
The overall business cycle dynamics are expected to remain largely unaffected by which political candidate is elected. Although new policies may have a marginal impact, significant changes in the economy are unlikely without a dramatic shift in government spending akin to the COVID-19 response. The economy is currently experiencing growth, but this growth is decelerating, particularly in sectors such as construction and manufacturing. Whichever candidate takes office will face a deceleration in these cyclical sectors during their initial months in power.
Long-Term Economic Growth Trends
Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable decline in the rate of economic growth, largely attributed to the increasing size of government in relation to the private sector. As government size grows, productivity in the economy suffers, resulting in an overall reduction in growth rates. This trend is expected to continue under both major political parties, as neither has introduced compelling policies to reduce governmental size. Consequently, this situation puts pressure on smaller businesses while favoring larger, more monopolistic companies, which are likely to see continued outperformance.
Market Behavior and Geopolitical Considerations
Market participants are closely monitoring how a change in U.S. leadership could reshape geopolitical dynamics, particularly in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict and relations with China. A potential Trump administration may introduce aggressive tariffs, impacting companies heavily involved with Chinese trade, while a Harris administration could exacerbate tensions in the Middle East. Geopolitical risks, including oil price fluctuations resulting from these tensions, could significantly affect consumer spending and broader market conditions. Analysts emphasize the need for investors to consider these geopolitical factors when evaluating market opportunities and potential risks.
The macroeconomic roadmap given a Trump or Harris victory, according to Eric Basmajian, Michael Gayed and Chaim Siegel (1:00). Sector opportunities and historical behavior during Democratic and Republican administrations (9:30). How investors should be thinking about geopolitical angles (15:30). Cumulative inflation vs the inflation rate (21:10). If Trump wins and puts in extensive tariffs, which companies could be hurt the most? (25:30) Watch the video here.