Trump Eyes Gradual Tariffs, UK Bond Deluge Resumes, and Is TikTok For Sale?
Jan 14, 2025
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In this discussion, Kritti Gupta, a Bloomberg TV anchor, delves into Donald Trump's strategy of gradually increasing tariffs. This cautious approach aims to enhance negotiating leverage while mitigating inflation spikes. Gupta also highlights the UK's bond market dynamics amid recent turmoil and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's steadfast fiscal stance. Additionally, the potential acquisition of TikTok by Elon Musk is examined, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and regulatory challenges. It's a whirlwind of economic insights and political intrigue!
The UK government is approaching a critical bond sale amid rising yields, prompting scrutiny on Chancellor Rachel Reeves's fiscal response to economic instability.
Chinese officials are considering a sale of TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk as a contingency against potential bans, highlighting complicated big tech and geopolitical dynamics.
Deep dives
Potential Trade Tariff Increase
A proposal is being considered to gradually increase trade tariffs by 2-5% each month following Donald Trump's inauguration. This plan seeks to implement tariffs without requiring congressional approval by invoking emergency powers related to national crises. It aims to balance protection for American consumers and mitigate potential inflationary impacts. Notably, the strategy may differ from Trump's previous promises of more aggressive tariffs, which could influence voter sentiments around affordability and economic conditions.
UK Economic Adjustments Amid Market Turbulence
The UK government faces scrutiny as it approaches a significant bond sale amid rising guilt yields and mounting market pressures. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under examination from opposition parties regarding her response to recent financial instability, especially after the UK endured a challenging fiscal climate. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly backed Reeves, emphasizing her efforts to navigate a £20 billion budget deficit. This situation unfolds alongside forecasts of possible inflation overshoot, raising concerns about the Bank of England's need to react with intervention measures.
Chinese Officials Discuss TikTok's Future
Chinese authorities are exploring the possibility of selling TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk if the app faces a ban in the United States. While the preference remains for ByteDance to retain ownership, contingency plans are being formulated to address potential sanctions. This strategy reflects China’s ongoing negotiations amidst concerns of US regulatory actions that could impact the app's operations. The prospect of Musk's X company taking over TikTok's US operations introduces an unprecedented intersection of big tech and geopolitical dynamics.
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On today's podcast:
(1) The UK is set to get an indication of investor appetite for gilts, with its first bond sale since turmoil gripped the market last week.
(2) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he has “full confidence” in Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and stressed that his government would stick to its fiscal rules in response to a surge in UK borrowing costs.
(3) Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter.
(4) The European Union is considering expanding its investigation into whether Elon Musk’s X social network breached its content moderation rulebook, the bloc’s top digital official said.
(5) Southern California is facing another round of dangerous fire weather, as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people.
(6) Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming economic team are discussing slowly ramping up tariffs month by month, a gradual approach aimed at boosting negotiating leverage while helping avoid a spike in inflation, according to people familiar with the matter.