Trump Touts Trade Progress as Nvidia CEO Visits China
President Trump highlighted advancements in U.S.-China trade discussions, coinciding with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit to China. Despite these developments, the administration is moving forward with plans to impose tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors, including those from Taiwan. This affects companies like Nvidia, which rely on Taiwanese manufacturing. These measures have already resulted in significant financial impacts for major semiconductor firms, with Nvidia projecting a $5.5 billion loss due to new export restrictions on its AI chips to China. This situation highlights the growing tension between promoting domestic chip manufacturing and maintaining global tech partnerships. Read more
 

Powell Warns Trump’s Tariffs Could Fuel Inflation and Hinder Growth

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that President Trump's new tariffs could drive inflation higher and slow economic growth, making it more challenging for the Fed to manage monetary policy. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the full impact of the tariffs, suggesting that the Fed will likely maintain current interest rates until clearer economic indicators emerge. Read more
 

Retail Sales Surge as Consumers Rush to Buy Before Tariffs

U.S. retail sales increased by 1.4% in March 2025, marking the largest monthly gain since January 2023. Consumers accelerated their purchases of big-ticket items, such as cars, in anticipation of new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Auto sales rose by 5.3%, with additional gains seen in electronics, sporting goods, and restaurants. However, economists caution that this surge may be short-lived, as consumer sentiment continues to decline amid inflation and ongoing trade uncertainty. Read more

Investors Haven’t Been This Bearish on the Economy in 30 Years
Investors Haven’t Been This Bearish on the Economy in 30 Years
Investors are the most bearish on the economy in 30 years, reflecting significant concerns over inflation, trade tensions, and the potential for a recession. A recent Bank of America survey of fund managers overseeing $528 billion revealed a sharp decline in equity allocations, while cash holdings have surged to levels not seen since the 2011 debt-ceiling crisis. The survey also shows that 56% of investors view the trade war as the greatest risk, with many adjusting their portfolios defensively, favoring bonds and utilities over stocks. 

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Inflation-Adjusted Return
Inflation-Adjusted Return is a measure of investment return that accounts for the inflation rate during the period. The purpose of this metric is to show the real return on an investment by removing the effects of inflation.