Trade Wars and Market Woes: The Ripple Effects of Trump's Tariff Bombshell

April 7, 2025 | Season 7 | Episode 13 The financial world is reeling from President Trump"s bombshell announcement of sweeping new tariffs on global imports. What started as a seemingly targeted trade policy has exploded into a potential global trade war with far-reaching implications for investors, businesses, and economies worldwide. Markets have responded with their steepest declines since the COVID crash, with the S&P 500 plummeting 9.1% last week and approaching bear market territory. The "Magnificent 7" tech stocks that drove much of the market"s previous gains are all seeing significant drops, while international markets from Japan to Hong Kong have already entered bear markets. At the heart of this market storm is a fundamental question every investor must now ask themselves: can you tolerate another 10% decline? Your portfolio allocation is being stress-tested in real-time, revealing whether your theoretical risk tolerance matches your actual emotional comfort during market turbulence. If you"re losing sleep, unable to eat, or constantly worried, it may be time to adjust your investment strategy to a level where you can function normally. The new tariff structure includes a universal 10% baseline on all imports with significantly higher rates for countries with large trade deficits - EU (20%), Vietnam (46%), Japan (24%), India (26%), and China facing a staggering 54% or more. Economists estimate these tariffs could potentially reduce GDP by 2.5% while increasing inflation by a similar amount, creating stagflationary pressures. While markets hope for negotiations that might reduce these tariffs, global reactions have been severe. France"s President Macron has called for suspending European investment in the US, Canada has matched tariffs on cars, and China has announced retaliatory 34% tariffs. JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs now predict a 60% chance of recession, potentially rising to 100% if full retaliatory measures take effect. As you navigate these turbulent waters, consider defensive strategies like high-quality bonds, gold, dividend-paying value stocks, and global diversification. Most importantly, maintain emotional equilibrium - clear thinking is your most valuable asset when markets are in chaos. While disruptions create challenges, they also present opportunities for those with the right perspective and appropriate risk positioning. ** For informational and educational purposes only, not intended as investment advice. Views and opinions are subject to change without notice. For full disclosures, ADVs, and CRS Forms, please visit https://heroldlantern.com/disclosure ** To learn about becoming a Herold & Lantern Investments valued client, please visit https://heroldlantern.com/wealth-advisory-contact-form Follow and Like Us on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn | @HeroldLantern