MONEY MASTER

President Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs excluded steel and aluminum already under existing 25% duties, offering relief to U.S. manufacturers and avoiding further cost inflation in the metals supply chain. What Happened Imported steel and aluminum , already subject to a  25% tariff  (in place since 2018), were  not included  in the new reciprocal tariff regime announced Wednesday. Trump  expanded  the original metals tariffs last month to include  hundreds of finished products , but refrained from adding  new reciprocal duties  on raw steel/aluminum imports in the latest move. Market Impact The decision  eases pressure on U.S. metal buyers , who were bracing for even higher costs if reciprocal tariffs had been extended to steel and aluminum. Steel stocks edged higher : Nucor (NUE)  +2.82% U.S. Steel (X)  +0.55% Kaiser Aluminum (KALU)  +0.37% Century Aluminum (CENX)  +1.09% Reliance Steel (RS)  +1.69% S...

President Trump has launched the most sweeping U.S. trade policy shift in decades, announcing a universal 10% tariff on all imports and targeted reciprocal levies—marking a new phase in protectionist economic strategy. What Was Announced A  universal 10% tariff  now applies to  all imported goods , regardless of origin. Reciprocal tariffs  are layered on top for nations deemed to have unfair trade practices: China: 34% European Union: 20% Additional 25% tariffs  are planned or in effect on: Cars not made in the U.S.  (effective Thursday) Some car parts  (by May 3) Steel, aluminum, computer chips, pharmaceuticals, and lumber  (varied timelines) Secondary tariffs  apply to nations purchasing oil from Venezuela. “If you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America.” — Donald Trump, Rose Garden speech Strategic Context Trump’s move reflects a long-promised break from the globalization era. The new tariff arc...

President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement marks a structural pivot away from decades of globalization, with broad implications for multinational supply chains, investment strategy, and global trade alignment. What Happened President Trump has imposed  sweeping new tariffs on trillions in foreign goods , signaling an end to the U.S.’s post-WWII leadership in global free trade. Baseline import duty: 10% Reciprocal tariffs: China: 54%  (to rise to 79% if further measures are imposed) Vietnam: 46% EU: 20% Exemptions:  Mexico and Canada (goods covered under USMCA), Taiwan semiconductors “If you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America.” – Donald Trump Strategic Intent Trump's policy aims to: Reshore manufacturing Revive U.S. industrial jobs Force companies to reconfigure supply chains The policy also reflects  broader geopolitical aims , especially targeting China’s dominance in manufacturing and its trade surplus wi...

With new US tariffs looming and fears of a global trade war rising, Goldman Sachs highlights a set of stocks it believes are insulated from macro-driven volatility. These companies could offer relative stability in a turbulent market. The Market Context Ahead of  Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement , Goldman Sachs expects the  S&P 500 to dip 6% over the next 3 months (~5,300) before recovering to  5,900 within 12 months —still below February's record high of 6,150. Volatility is expected to persist as markets digest the  escalating protectionist agenda  and possible global retaliation. Goldman's “Insensitive Portfolio” Goldman Sachs identified  45 stocks  with  low correlation to trade war, AI disruption, and growth slowdown concerns . These companies tend to hold up better during macro-driven selloffs. Top Mentions: Amdocs (DOX)  – Least sensitive to U.S. growth and trade risks. Bank of New York Mellon (BK)  – Financial exp...

 As the world watches,  President Trump’s highly anticipated April 2 tariff announcement —coined “ Tariff Liberation Day ”—is expected to  unveil a new era of U.S. trade policy , one that could bring sweeping changes to global commerce, supply chains, and markets. But according to trade experts and insiders, this rollout may be  more of a strategic opening salvo than an all-at-once shockwave . What Will Be Announced? Initial Tariff Measures, Not the Full Picture: Wednesday is likely to  signal the beginning of a broader campaign , not a final, all-encompassing plan. Expect a  phased approach , with room for reviews, exemptions, and negotiations. "Country-Based" and “Reciprocal” Tariffs: Tariffs will likely be targeted at  countries with large trade imbalances or significant non-tariff barriers . The White House has been analyzing patterns of “ trade-distorting behavior ” as justification. "Dirty Dozen" and Surprises: While some attention has focused on...

The global market is on high alert as  President Donald Trump prepares to announce sweeping new tariffs —potentially as early as Tuesday evening—in a move dubbed  “Liberation Day.”  With global trade, inflation, and market sentiment hanging in the balance, the implications could be massive. Key Developments to Watch Trump’s Tariff Playbook Expands: Expected to roll out  “country-based tariffs”  and possibly new  sector-specific tariffs , the plan may impact nearly  all U.S. trading partners , with potential  tariff rates as high as 20% . Market Reactions So Far: Global stock indexes in Europe and Asia dropped , reacting to trade war fears. Dow Jones and S&P 500  eked out gains, but  volatility remains elevated . Senate opposition is growing , with some Republicans signaling efforts to block tariffs on allies like  Canada . China, Japan, and South Korea  have reacted by  tightening free trade ties , while  Canada a...