100 Days In: Trump’s ‘Strategic Uncertainty’ on Tariffs Leaves Markets Guessing

Published: 04-16-2025, 10:55 am S&P Global Ratings has issued a warning that it may further downgrade the United States’ credit rating from its current AA+ status, citing unsustainable debt levels and ongoing political dysfunction. In an April 14 report, S&P indicated that upcoming budget negotiations will be crucial in determining US creditworthiness. The US has already experienced credit downgrades, with S&P first reducing the rating in 2011 during a debt ceiling crisis when national debt was $15 trillion (66% of GDP). Today, that debt has ballooned to $36 trillion, with public debt now representing approximately 100% of GDP. This deteriorating

Published: 04-16-2025, 10:35 am | Updated: 04-16-2025, 10:30 am China has outlined several conditions for restarting trade talks with the Trump administration, including more respectful rhetoric from US officials, consistency in the US position, and addressing China’s concerns about sanctions and Taiwan. Beijing also wants a designated point person with Trump’s support who can help prepare a deal for Trump and Xi Jinping to sign. The ongoing trade dispute, with 145% US tariffs on most Chinese goods since Trump took office, threatens global economic stability and has led to broad Chinese public support for retaliation against the US.

Published: 04-16-2025, 09:25 am | Updated: 04-16-2025, 08:35 am President Trump has ordered an investigation into possible tariffs on all critical mineral imports to the US, citing national security concerns. The probe will examine market dynamics for minerals like cobalt, nickel, rare earths, and uranium. This move comes as the US remains heavily dependent on China and other countries for processed minerals essential to the economy. China recently retaliated against Trump’s tariffs by restricting rare earth exports, highlighting America’s vulnerability in this sector.