Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, discusses the Fed's outlook and the implications of Trump's economic policies. He highlights concerns over potential rate hikes and inflationary effects from proposed tariffs. Sarah Wolfe, Senior Economist at Morgan Stanley, comments on jobless claims and hints at a possible rate cut in early 2025. Together, they explore the interplay between macroeconomic trends, protectionism, and the evolving labor market, offering keen insights for investors amidst rising tensions.
The podcast highlights how broad tariffs could lead to significant inflationary pressure on U.S. households and potential product shortages.
Experts discuss the shift towards protectionism in U.S. trade policy, threatening global integration and complicating economic opportunities for developing nations.
Deep dives
Impact of Tariffs on the Economy
Tariffs on imports, specifically when applied broadly, are likely to create significant inflationary pressure on U.S. households. A potential increase of 10 to 15 percent across most industries would not only act as a heavy tax on consumers but could also lead to shortages of various products. This situation is compounded by the likelihood of retaliation from trading partners, which can shrink economic activity further. Experts emphasize the need to analyze the full ramifications of such tariffs to understand how they would affect the broader economy and multilateral trade relationships.
Shifts in Global Trade Patterns
The United States is experiencing a shift away from multilateral trade principles that have been in place for over 90 years. Historically, U.S. policies have promoted open markets, but recent trends suggest a move towards protectionism that threatens global integration. This change not only increases costs for American consumers but also risks isolating developing nations from global markets, limiting their economic opportunities. Moreover, this strategy does not appear to achieve the intended goals, such as reducing the trade deficit or bolstering U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Challenges Facing China’s Economy
China is grappling with multi-faceted economic issues that hinder its growth prospects, including demographic challenges and a profound distrust in government policies. The focus on self-sufficiency appears to contribute to a downward economic spiral, exacerbating its existing problems rather than resolving them. Potential U.S. restrictions could push China to flood international markets with goods, putting further strain on global supply and trade dynamics. As China struggles, it becomes more imperative for the U.S. to approach international trade tactically, considering the repercussions of its policy decisions.
Prospects for Globalism
Globalism is currently facing significant setbacks due to geopolitical tensions and protectionist approaches but is not dead. Human history shows a persistent inclination toward trade and cultural exchange, suggesting that global integration will eventually resume. While can resist the urge to close borders, the natural desire for economic variety and innovation cannot be fully suppressed. Therefore, although there are challenges ahead, the fundamentals of globalization remain intact, awaiting a potential revival once the current uncertainties are resolved.
Watch Tom and Paul LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Bloomberg Surveillance hosted by Tom Keene & Paul SweeneyJanuary 23rd, 2025 Featuring:
Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, joins to discuss his outlook for the Fed, Trump's economic policies, and whether investors could be staring down a rate hike
Sarah Wolfe, Senior Economist and Strategist, Thematic & Macro Investing at Morgan Stanley, reacts to today's jobless claims, previews next week's Fed meeting, and why she's not ruling out a first quarter rate cut in 2025
Greg Peters, co-CIO at PGIM Fixed Income, on the surge in bond yields, the Fed funds rate, and what the bond market is watching from a policy perspective