Noise, S&P Scenario, Gold BubbleThank you to the tradingview community for engaging and supporting my content.
After another rough start to the week, we have a bit of a crossroads ahead for the S&P
1) We revisit the April 7 lows and poke lower with bear trap opportunities
2) We hold Monday April 21 lows and grind back up to gap fill and revisit 5400-5500 resistance
3) We go nowhere with a lot of intraday volatility and noise (between the April 7 low and the April 9 high)
The markets are on high alert
DXY
Gold
Bitcoin
US Bonds vs Treasuries (yields rising)
Trump is more vocal about threatening the FED or firing Powell and the concern is truly unprecedented
Trade War pause is still ongoing, China is being vocal as well to make sure countries don't simply line up to support the US. For all of this to calm down, US and China have to play nice. China is likely able to hold the line longer than the US in the near-term
Thanks for watching!!!
Tariff
S&P 500 - Key Levels and April 7-11 Weekly Candle StructureApril 7-11 will easily be remembered in 2025 as one of the craziest weeks in modern history.
Intraday swings were face ripping all from a Monday "fake news" becoming Wednesday "real news" with the US pausing tariffs for 90 days
5500 major resistance on S&P
4800 major support on S&P
I believe the market will struggle to provide any clear direction in the coming weeks without some shift in narrative (for better or worse). I'm sure most traders are hoping for an optimistic tone but be prepared to be disappointed as the world's alliances and economies are being strained with massive uncertainty and angst.
There are trading opportunities in the short-term, but I'm not taking any major risks. If I can survive, the upside will be easier and a pleasant surprise.
I expect the weekly candles to dance inside the April 7-11 low and high levels and hopefully it provides some ventilation to a VIX > 30
ECB decision shadowed by tariff risk Markets will be closely watching the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision on April 17, with expectations for a seventh consecutive rate cut.
Despite this expectation, the euro surged to a three-year high against the US dollar last week, as traders continued to pull away from US assets.
The dollar index has dropped 4% since President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements on April 2, falling below the key 100 level too.
At this stage, market participants will be looking for any signals on how the ECB might respond to the potential spillover effects of President Trump’s tariff measures. While some guidance may emerge around already-announced policies, the risk of further unpredictability remains high.
Trump being Trump, it is perhaps unlikely we have seen the last of his volatility-inducing tariff announcements. This can weigh further on the dollar, eroding confidence in the world’s reserve currency.
10YR Bond Yields: Panic on LTF, Calm on HTF📉 10YR Bond Yields: Panic on LTF, Calm on HTF
Yes, the recent spike in the 10-Year Yield is causing some short-term panic. But if you zoom out to the monthly timeframe, the bigger picture looks far more constructive.
🔍 Here’s what the chart says:
The MACD and RSI on the monthly are both pointing down.
Yields touched 4.5%, historically a key recession threshold.
We’re now seeing a MACD bearish crossover and a clear bearish divergence—classic signs of a trend reversal.
💡 What does this mean?
If no new fear or shock hits the market, yields are likely headed down, potentially toward the 2% range in the coming months. This would naturally ease pressure on equities and crypto.
📉 Conclusion:
This recent spike in yields seems to be transitional, not structural.
The chart suggests that the top is in, and the market is correcting from an overextended zone.
The Fed might not even need to intervene—the bond market is likely to correct on its own.
Stay calm. Stay rational. Always zoom out.
#10YearYield #BondMarket #MacroAnalysis #InterestRates #RecessionWatch #MarketPanic #MACD #TechnicalAnalysis #FederalReserve #CryptoMarkets #StockMarketInsights #StayCalmZoomOut #DYOR
Trump Tariffs - Trade War - High Volatility - Key LevelsEasy trading for 2025, right? Haha
We are seeing some of the wildest swings ever in the markets
Extreme intraday swings and volatility is getting everybody's attention
This video discusses all key levels and current seasonality
Hoping for the best and preparing for the worst
Trump Pump Just Broke the Charts12% Up in a Day. Now What?
What a difference a headline makes.
Monday:
Markets dump. Panic. Retail sells the low.
We hit our bearish targets like clockwork.
Wednesday:
Markets explode like they found a cheat code.
SPX rallies 9.5% in a day.
Nasdaq? A completely unhinged 12% up.
All because… tariffs might be paused again.
You can’t make this stuff up.
But you can trade it.
When Euphoria and Edge Collide
The Trump Pump Parade
After last week’s fake-news-induced dump, we now have headline euphoria.
No earnings beat. No rate cut. No macro shift.
Just one rumour:
“Trump might pause tariffs.”
Cue the biggest one-day rally since 1933.
Nasdaq: +12%
SPX: +9.5%
SPX now kissing the 5400 bull trigger level
Financial media?
Throwing a rave.
Retail?
FOMOing back into the top.
It’s madness.
But it’s not structure.
The System Trader’s Reality
Meanwhile, in the AntiVestor camp…
The bear swing is still on but under review.
Why? Because we trade levels, not vibes.
And 5400 has always been our pivot.
We’re now sitting right on it, with overnight futures starting to drift lower – like the market just realised it left the oven on.
The decision zone is here.
Hold 5400?
It’s time to shift gears.
Bull thesis activates. Tag ‘n Turn setups. Bull Pulse Bars. GEX Bulls Eye trades.
Lose 5400?
We go right back to feeding the bears.
It’s not emotional. It’s mechanical.
This is what system trading looks like.
---
Expert Insights: The Market Owes You Nothing
Mistake:
Getting emotional after missing a rally or overstaying a short.
Fix:
Use a system with defined levels.
5400 was always the line.
You don’t need to guess the pivot. You just need to trade it when it confirms.
This rally may be overblown.
But until the market proves otherwise, you don’t fight the tape – you ride it with structure.
---
Fun Fact
The last time the Nasdaq moved more than 10% in a day?
March 13th, 2020 – the height of COVID panic buying.
That rally was followed by… a further drop.
Then a V-bottom.
Then a massive bull market.
So… is this the start of something new?
Or just another overcaffeinated bounce?
History says: Don’t decide early. Let price confirm.
Will 3 Times Be The Charm For GBPUSD??We can see FX:GBPUSD retrace a tad further up to the Volume Imbalance that was created over the weekend of April 4th - 7th. After Price made its High @ 1.3207, it was immediately rejected back down below the Past Level of Support that is now showing signs of Resistance!
- Following that Higher High not only resulted in a Lower Low but also sent the RSI under 50 into Bearish Territory!
Now in the ICT Methodology of Volume Imbalances, Price is likely to Test or Fill the Imbalance, then once satisfied, has a high potential to turn the opposite direction. Now a Pullback to Fill the Imbalance would land Price right at the 38.2% Fibonacci Level @ 1.28984 where if Bulls are unable to push Price back above, would be an excellent Shorting Opportunity for Bears to overcome.
- RSI is now below the 50 suggesting Bulls have lost steam and strengthens the potential for more downside to occur but that would call for a Break and Retest Scenario on the Rising Support.
Fundamentally, the Federal Reserve will be releasing the CPI y/y and m/m results where analysts believe there to be a .3% decrease in inflation forecasting a 2.5% CPI for March from the previous 2.8% for February. Given this, the FOMC " do not plan to come to rescue Trump with rate cuts" and insist that all the Tariff pressure will actually be a reasoning for Inflation to Rise! So if CPI ends up printing Hotter than Expected (Higher), we could see a renewed strength in the USD.
Amazon I Technical & Tariff Analysis Welcome back! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Retests, Rallies, and Bear Swings LoadingYou know what’s better than nailing a trade?
Not having to flip, flop, hedge, unhedge, reverse, scalp, and do the full Hokey Cokey just to survive.
Today was one of those days – the kind where the plan just works.
Futures? Wild.
Down 143, up 188, then back to flat - all before most traders finished their first sip of coffee.
But while price whipsaws, I’m not chasing shadows.
I’ve got my line out.
My bear swing is on.
And I’m just waiting for the exit alert to ding.
---
Let’s break down what happened:
Yesterday’s tariff chaos acted like a Mr. Miyagi market prank.
“Tariff on.”
“Wait, just kidding.”
“Tariff off.”
The move up?
Landed exactly at Monday's news spike and the days 5250 gamma flip level – which we had marked and mapped.
Perfect resistance.
Retest. Rejection.
Bear pulse bars triggered.
And now the swing is on.
Trade location: Dialled in.
Directional bias: still bearish under 5400.
Execution: GEX levels + pulse bar structure.
Retests, Not Reversals
Tuesdays action also gave us something sneaky:
An intraday retest of the recent lows.
Now, if you’ve been around since the 2020 V-turn era, you’ve seen this before.
Panic sell.
Sharp bounce.
Retest the low to check for real conviction.
Then make the real move.
This retest could be the prelude to a bull thesis - but not yet.
Structure comes first. Bias second.
Until we break clean above 5400, I stay bear-biased.
---
Expert Insights: Don’t Trade Like You’re in a Dance-Off
The Mistake:
Overtrading volatility. Flipping bias every 15 minutes. Trading like it’s a talent show.
The Fix:
Pick your structure. Define your invalidation.
Enter once, scale in if needed, and let it play out.
No need to “turn around and shake it all about.”
Leave the Hokey Cokey for weddings.
---
Fun Fact
During the 2015–2020 bull run, the average false breakout-to-retest cycle happened within 3 sessions after a panic reversal.
Translation?
Markets often retest panic lows before deciding the next big move.
This isn’t new. It’s just noisy. And totally tradable.
...Another fun fact
Did you know?
The 104% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Chinese imports is among the highest in modern history, reminiscent of protectionist measures not seen since the early 20th century.
VIX Clips 60 as Market Volatility and Tariff UncertaintyThe VIX Clips 60 as Market Volatility and Uncertainty Surge on Tariff Announcement
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often dubbed the “fear gauge,” surged past the 60 threshold this week—the highest level since August 5, 2023—as markets reacted violently to an unexpected announcement by the U.S. President regarding global tariffs. The sharp rise in the VIX, which measures market expectations of 30-day volatility, underscores the profound uncertainty now gripping investors, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting over 1,000 points and the S&P 500 entering correction territory. The trigger? A sweeping tariff policy unveiled by the administration on Liberation Day, a symbolic holiday marking a shift in economic strategy, which has sent shockwaves through global markets.
The VIX at 60: A Sign of Extreme Fear
The VIX typically hovers around 15-20 under normal conditions, reflecting moderate uncertainty. However, readings above 30 indicate heightened anxiety, and levels above 50 are rare, historically occurring during major crises like the 2008 financial collapse or the 2020 pandemic sell-off. This week’s spike to 60 marks a dramatic escalation, signaling a market gripped by fear. Analysts attribute this to the suddenness and scale of the President’s tariff announcement, which caught investors off guard after a period of relative calm.
The Liberation Day Tariff Announcement
On Liberation Day—a holiday commemorating historical freedoms—the administration announced a 25% tariff on a broad range of imports from key trading partners, including China, the EU, and others, effective immediately. The move, framed as a “national economic security initiative,” aims to curb perceived trade imbalances and protect domestic industries. However, its immediate impact has been severe:
Scope and Speed: The tariffs apply to $500 billion in goods, targeting sectors like semiconductors, automotive parts, and consumer electronics. The abrupt implementation, with no prior warning or negotiation, has left businesses scrambling to adjust supply chains.
Political Context: The announcement coincided with domestic political tensions, including debates over inflation and job creation. The White House argued the tariffs would “level the playing field” for American workers, but critics warned of retaliation and inflationary pressures.
Market Chaos: Sectors Under Siege
The tariff shockwave rippled across asset classes:
Equities: The S&P 500 fell 2+% on Monday, its worst single-day drop since March 2020. The Nasdaq, heavily weighted in tech stocks reliant on global supply chains, plunged over 5%.
Sectors: Semiconductor firms like Intel and AMD tanked, while automakers such as Ford and Tesla declined sharply.
Expert Analysis: A Volatility Tipping Point
Historical Parallels and Economic Risks
The current volatility mirrors past crises:
2008 Financial Crisis: The VIX hit 80 as Lehman Brothers collapsed, but the current crisis stems from policy, not financial contagion.
2020 Pandemic Sell-Off: The VIX spiked to 82 as lockdowns paralyzed economies, but today’s uncertainty is self-inflicted.
However, the tariff-driven uncertainty poses unique risks:
Inflation: Higher import costs could push inflation back above 4%, complicating the Fed’s rate-cut path.
Global Growth: The World Bank warns that trade wars could shave 2% off global GDP by 2025. Emerging markets, reliant on exports, face currency crises.
Looking Ahead: Can Calm Return?
Markets may stabilize if the administration signals flexibility. Potential pathways include:
Negotiations: A G20 summit in September offers a venue for de-escalation, though diplomatic progress is uncertain.
Policy Reversal: If tariffs are delayed or narrowed, the VIX could retreat. However, the President’s rhetoric suggests a hardline stance.
Corporate Adaptation: Companies might pivot to domestic suppliers, but such shifts take years, prolonging volatility.
Conclusion: A New Era of Uncertainty
The VIX at 60 marks a pivotal moment. Markets are now pricing in not just the immediate tariff impact but a broader shift toward protectionism and policy-driven instability. For investors, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty. While short-term volatility may ebb with reassurances, the long-term consequences—trade wars, inflation, and geopolitical friction—could redefine global economics for years.
With Liberation Day’s tariffs reshaping the landscape, one thing is clear: the era of low volatility is over. The question now is whether policymakers can navigate this new turbulence—or if markets will remain hostages to fear.
Review and plan for 8th April 2025 Nifty future and banknifty future analysis and intraday plan in kannada.
This video is for information/education purpose only. you are 100% responsible for any actions you take by reading/viewing this post.
please consult your financial advisor before taking any action.
----Vinaykumar hiremath, CMT
SPX500: The trendline show a bottom in Sept 2025 at 4700 We're being magnetically pulled toward the trendline bottom around 4700.
Based on the current MACD and RSI signals, the bearish scenario could continue until September–October 2025. This correction is very similar to the one from 2022.
There will be some dead cats bounces, but do not be fooled, the MACD is reseting hard.
Stay sharp. Be ready.
DYOR.
Trump Tariffs send global Markets into free fall. Trump Tariff announcements has sent the global markets into free fall. The reaction has sent global markets into knee jerk reaction. Global trade will axis will realign because of these actions of US. As per the analysis of many experts the disadvantages to India are limited. There are opportunities galore in sectors like Pharma and Textile etc. The support levels for Nifty currently are at 22338, 21983, 21289, 20095 and finally 19864. The resistances for Nifty are 23037, 23266 and 23894. Long term Resistance for Nifty remain at 24831 and 25K levels.
Short term outlook for Nifty is weak. In the medium term Nifty can remain range bound and Long term outlook for Nifty still remains strong. Investors with Long term outlook can search for Bottom Fishing opportunities in Blue chip stocks which are available at good prices.
Focus should be on India centric themes where products and companies are less dependent on exports specially to US. Having said that it can be a blessing in disguise for sectors like Pharma and Textile. If Indian leadership can turn this obstacle into oppertunity by taking the right steps it can be a curse in disguise. Investors can also look at collecting some ETFs international as well as local as a long term investment.
In cricket matches sometimes losing a toss can be a blessing in disguise this is something like that.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock or index. The Techno-Funda analysis is based on data that is more than 3 months old. Supports and Resistances are determined by historic past peaks and Valley in the chart. Many other indicators and patterns like EMA, RSI, MACD, Volumes, Fibonacci, parallel channel etc. use historic data which is 3 months or older cyclical points. There is no guarantee they will work in future as markets are highly volatile and swings in prices are also due to macro and micro factors based on actions taken by the company as well as region and global events. Equity investment is subject to risks. I or my clients or family members might have positions in the stocks that we mention in our educational posts. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message. Do consult your investment advisor before taking any financial decisions. Stop losses should be an important part of any investment in equity.
Markets hate tariffs but traders love discounts
SPX500 is down over 12.2% YTD
Volatility Index (VIX) is above 40 — elevated fear in the market
SPX support zone likely around 4,888
Historical patterns show strong rebounds near similar volatility spikes
This could be a prime entry point — keep your cash ready
With tariffs back in play, volatility could spike — stay ready for discounted entries
What are Tariffs? How They Work and Why They Matter to You?For centuries, tariffs have played a crucial role in global trade, safeguarding domestic industries, shaping international relations, and influencing economic policies. While they often dominate headlines during trade wars and economic policy debates, many people still don’t fully understand what tariffs are, why they are used, and how they impact the economy.
This comprehensive guide covers:
⦿ What tariffs are and how they work
⦿ Different types of tariffs
⦿ Why governments impose tariffs
⦿ The economic, political, and social effects of tariffs.
⦿ Historical and modern examples
⦿ The debate between protectionism and free trade
⦿ Tariffs in different economic systems
⦿ The future of tariffs in a globalized world
By the end of this article, you’ll have a decent understanding of tariffs and their role in the global economy.
🤔 What Are Tariffs?
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods and services. The primary purpose of tariffs is to increase the cost of foreign products, making domestically produced goods more attractive to consumers. This serves several economic and political functions, such as protecting domestic industries, generating government revenue, and addressing trade imbalances.
👍 How Do Tariffs Work?
A government sets a tariff rate on imported goods (e.g., 25% on foreign cars).
Importers must pay this tax when bringing goods into the country.
This increases the cost of imported goods, enhancing the competitiveness of domestic alternatives.
Domestic industries benefit from reduced foreign competition.
The government collects revenue from the tariff.
🦸♂ Who Pays the Tariff?
Importers: These businesses or individuals directly pay the tariff when they bring goods into the country. This increases their costs.
Businesses: Since importers face higher costs, businesses that rely on imported goods often pass these costs onto consumers by increasing prices.
Consumers: Ultimately, the general public bears the cost as they pay higher prices for goods affected by tariffs.
🔎 Types of Tariffs
Governments employ various tariffs depending on their economic goals and trade policies. Some of these are:
1️⃣ Ad Valorem Tariffs
An ad valorem tariff is a percentage-based tariff calculated on the value of the imported goods. The tax amount increases or decreases with the price of the product.
Example: A 10% tariff on imported TVs means a $1,000 TV incurs a $100 tariff.
Usage: Commonly used for luxury goods, automobiles, and consumer electronics.
2️⃣ Specific Tariffs
A specific tariff is a fixed fee charged per unit of imported goods, regardless of price.
Example: $3 per barrel of imported oil.
Usage: Often used for commodities like oil, wheat, and alcohol.
3️⃣ Compound Tariffs
A compound tariff includes both a percentage-based tax (Ad valorem) and a fixed fee on imports (Specific). This means importers pay a fixed fee per unit as well as a percentage of the item’s value.
Example: A 5% tax plus $2 per imported cheese wheel.
Usage: Applied to goods where both quantity and value affect the market, such as food products and industrial materials.
4️⃣ Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs)
A TRQ allows a limited quantity of an imported good to enter at a lower tariff rate. After the quota is reached, extra imports are taxed at a higher rate.
Example: One of the most well-known examples of a TRQ is the U.S. Sugar Tariff-Rate Quota. The United States allows a certain quantity of sugar to be imported each year at a lower tariff rate. Any sugar imports within the quota limit are subject to a low tariff (e.g., 5%).
However, once the quota is exceeded, any additional sugar imports face a much higher tariff (e.g., 20%). This system ensures that domestic sugar producers remain competitive while still allowing controlled imports to meet demand.
Another example is the European Union's TRQ on Beef Imports. The EU permits a specific amount of high-quality beef imports (e.g., from the U.S. and Canada) at a lower tariff. Once this quota is filled, any additional beef imports are taxed at a significantly higher rate. This policy helps protect EU cattle farmers while maintaining trade agreements with international suppliers.
5️⃣ Protective Tariffs
A protective tariff helps local industries by making imported goods more costly, reducing foreign competition.
Example: The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Chinese steel to protect domestic steel manufacturers.
Usage: Commonly used in industries facing strong foreign competition, such as steel, automotive, and textiles.
6️⃣ Revenue Tariffs
A revenue tariff is mainly designed to raise money for the government, not to shield local industries.
Example: In the 19th century, tariffs were the main source of revenue for the U.S. government before income taxes were introduced.
Usage: Often applied to goods that do not have strong domestic competition but are widely consumed, such as alcohol and tobacco.
❓ Why Do Governments Impose Tariffs?
1️⃣ Protecting Domestic Industries
Tariffs shield local businesses from cheaper foreign competitors, helping domestic industries grow.
Example: U.S. steel tariffs in 2018 benefited domestic steel manufacturers.
2️⃣ Generating Government Revenue
Before modern taxation systems, tariffs were a key source of revenue for governments.
Example: In the 1800s, tariffs accounted for 90% of U.S. federal revenue.
3️⃣ National Security Concerns
Some industries, like defense and technology, are crucial for national security, and governments impose tariffs to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Example: The U.S. limits imports of rare earth minerals to ensure a domestic supply chain for defense technologies.
4️⃣ Retaliation in Trade Wars
Countries impose tariffs to address unfair trade practices or economic conflicts.
For instance, during the trade war between the United States and China, both countries imposed taxes on each other's goods
5️⃣ Preventing Dumping
Dumping occurs when a country exports goods at below-market prices to eliminate competition.
Example: The U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese solar panels due to concerns about dumping.
⚖️ Pros and Cons of Tariffs
Pros
✅ Protects local jobs and industries
✅ Encourages domestic production
✅ Generates government revenue
✅ Enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign goods
Cons
❌ Increases prices for consumers
❌ Can lead to trade wars and economic retaliation
❌ Encourages inefficiency in domestic industries
❌ Disrupts global supply chains
📕 Historical and Modern Examples of Tariffs
1. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930)
The U.S. imposed tariffs on over 20k imported goods.
Result: Other countries retaliated, global trade dropped by 66%, and the Great Depression worsened.
2. Trump’s Tariffs on China (2018-2020)
The United States levied tariffs on $360 billion worth of Chinese goods.
China retaliated, affecting U.S. agriculture exports.
Result: Some U.S. industries benefited, but consumers faced higher prices.
3. The European Union’s Tariffs on U.S. Goods (2021)
The EU imposed tariffs on American whiskey, motorcycles, and jeans in response to U.S. steel tariffs.
Result: Brands like Harley-Davidson saw reduced sales in Europe.
⚙️ Tariffs vs. Free Trade: The Big Debate
The debate between tariffs and free trade is a fundamental discussion in global economics and trade policy. This debate revolves around whether governments should impose tariffs (taxes on imported goods) or embrace free trade (minimal to no restrictions on imports and exports).
◉ Free Trade (No Tariffs)
Free trade is the unrestricted movement of goods and services across borders without tariffs or other trade barriers. Advocates argue that it fosters economic efficiency and global cooperation.
✅✅ Advantages of Free Trade
Lower Prices for Consumers – Without tariffs, imported goods are cheaper, leading to more affordable products.
Increased Economic Growth – When countries trade freely, they specialize in what they do best, leading to higher productivity and economic expansion.
More Competition = Better Products – Companies must compete on quality and innovation rather than relying on government protection.
Stronger Global Relations – Open markets encourage cooperation between nations, reducing the risk of economic conflicts.
Access to More Goods and Services – Consumers enjoy a greater variety of products at lower costs.
❌❌ Disadvantages of Free Trade
Job Losses in Unprotected Industries – Domestic industries that can't compete with cheaper imports may shrink or shut down.
Dependence on Foreign Suppliers – A country may become overly reliant on other nations for essential goods (e.g., medical supplies, electronics).
Potential Trade Deficits – Countries that import more than they export may struggle with imbalances in trade.
◉ Protectionism (Using Tariffs)
Protectionism refers to economic policies that restrict imports through tariffs, quotas, or other barriers to shield domestic industries from foreign competition.
✅✅ Advantages of Tariffs
Protects Local Jobs and Industries – Domestic businesses have a better chance to compete without being undercut by cheaper imports.
Reduces Dependence on Foreign Competitors – A country can maintain its own manufacturing and production capabilities, especially in critical industries like steel, energy, and food.
Generates Government Revenue – Tariffs provide a source of income for governments, which can be reinvested in public services.
Prevents Dumping – Tariffs discourage foreign companies from flooding the market with artificially cheap goods to destroy domestic competition.
❌❌ Disadvantages of Tariffs
Higher Prices for Consumers – Since imported goods are taxed, businesses pass the extra costs to customers.
Risk of Trade Wars – When one country imposes tariffs, others retaliate, leading to economic conflicts that hurt all parties involved.
Encourages Inefficiency – Without foreign competition, domestic companies may become complacent and innovate less.
Disrupts Global Supply Chains – Many industries rely on international suppliers; tariffs can increase production costs and delays.
❇️ The Future of Tariffs in a Globalized World
As economies become more interconnected, tariffs are often seen as barriers to global trade.
Emerging industries, such as digital services, face new trade policy challenges that traditional tariffs do not cover.
With globalization, many nations favor free trade agreements (FTAs) like USMCA and the EU single market to reduce trade barriers.
Climate-related tariffs, such as carbon border taxes, may become more common as nations try to incentivize environmentally friendly trade practices.
📌 Closing Thoughts
Tariffs remain one of the most powerful - and controversial - tools in economic policy. Like a thermostat for trade, they can be adjusted to protect domestic industries, but risk overheating the economy with unintended consequences.
History shows that while tariffs can provide temporary relief for specific sectors, they often create ripple effects across the entire economy. The steel tariffs of 2018 helped some American mills reopen, but made cars and appliances more expensive for everyone.
Neither free trade nor tariffs are perfect solutions. A balanced approach, where tariffs are selectively used for strategic industries while promoting open markets in others, is often the best path.
Each country must decide based on its economic strengths and priorities. For example, developed nations might push for free trade, while developing nations use tariffs to protect growing industries.
As trade policies continue evolving, understanding tariffs gives citizens and businesses crucial insight into how globalization affects prices, jobs, and economic security. The debate isn't about whether tariffs are "good" or "bad," but rather when and how they should be used strategically.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing U.S. tariff war? Share your opinions in the comments! 📩
Liberation Day: Fear or greed in the air? We are less than hour out from the Liberation Day tariff announcements. The U.S. is preparing to roll out reciprocal tariffs on all countries, with rates set at 10%, 15%, and 20%, according to Sky News.
Investors hoping for certainty may be disappointed—this could mark the start of a longer phase of trade battles.
Mexico, once again, is reading the room. President Sheinbaum has confirmed Mexico won’t respond with tit-for-tat tariffs. They understand that the way to deal with Trump is to treat him with kid gloves.
Meanwhile, gold hit another record high, reaching $3,149.04 on Tuesday before pulling back a little. Buyers might have a better setup around the parallel pivot line to position for further upside.
Why the RBA should cut rates todayThe Reserve Bank of Australia should cut rates today, argues James Glynn in the Wall Street Journal .
Markets, however, expect the central bank to wait until May for its next move. RBA Governor Michele Bullock remains cautious, citing lingering inflation.
But Glynn contends that global uncertainty now outweighs the RBA’s desire to wait for marginal improvements in inflation data. That uncertainty is set to escalate this Wednesday, with the Trump administration announcing sweeping tariffs on U.S. trading partners—likely triggering retaliatory measures.
Andrew Boak, chief economist at Goldman Sachs Australia, appears to support Glynn’s view: “There are costs to waiting until May to cut. Waiting is not always a virtue.”
Is Glynn simply chasing a contrarian headline or is there actually a possibility the RBA could act today?
Yearly Candle on NQ 2025I believe what we're seeing right now is simply the market printing the “open low” of the yearly candle. The recent dip seems driven by short-term fear surrounding the new tariffs, but in my view, this is just noise. Long-term, this sets up a bullish scenario.
Businesses won’t adjust overnight—it takes time to shift operations away from high-tariff regions. But as that transition unfolds, we’ll likely see improved margins and stronger fundamentals emerge.
From a technical standpoint, I’m watching for a key reversal after price revisits the order block. If we get that reaction, it could mark the beginning of a broader move higher. This looks like manipulation, not distribution.
OLHC
- Gavin
NFA, DYOR
2 reasons the peso rally may not be over The USD/MXN has fallen over 2.5% in the past five trading sessions, dropping below 19.9 per USD for the first time since November 2024.
Two key factors could be driving this move:
1.
Investor distrust in the U.S. dollar – Market confidence is weakening due to Trump’s inconsistent tariff threats and other unpopular policies.
In contrast, the Sheinbaum government’s kid-glove handling of Trump is securing favourable trade concessions.
2.
Attractive interest rate differential – With Banxico’s benchmark rate at 9.5%, the peso remains appealing for carry trades.
The Federal Reserve’s decision this week could widen this gap further. Last week’s subdued U.S. inflation data is helping to fuel speculation of earlier Fed rate cuts, which may continue to support the peso despite trade uncertainties.
EURUSD: Trump’s trade war crosses the Atlantic You may be sick of hearing about tariffs, but they are currently the catalyst for a huge amount of volatility in the market and a huge amount of trading opportunities.
And now Trump’s trade war has crossed the Atlantic
Today, the European Union announced retaliatory tariffs on approximately €26 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to President Donald Trump's recent increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Targeted products include Harley-Davidsons, bourbon, and jeans—key American exports that have been caught in previous trade disputes.
The EU has said it remains open to negotiation but has not ruled out further action.
In response, Trump vowed to retaliate, stating, “Of course I’m going to respond.” The daily chart for the EUR/USD shows the pair could fall into a larger corrective decline, given overbought RSI conditions.
International politics is now a high school dramaSo, Trump was all like, “Let’s slap an extra 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum,” which meant total duties shot up to 50%.
Why? Because Ontario put a 25% tax on electricity exports to the U.S. And Doug Ford? He was not having it—saying he’d “respond appropriately” and “not back down.” But —he totally backed down and scrapped the tax on electricity exports to Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
And now, Trump just ditched the extra 25% tariff, and boom— USDCAD broke below the recent low of 1.43986
USD/CAD holds up OK despite tariffsOK, so it's finally happened. On March 4, 2025, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy products facing a separate 10% tariff. Tariffs on Chinese imports were also doubled from 10% to 20%.
In response, Canada imposed immediate 25% tariffs on CA$30 billion worth of U.S. goods, with plans to extend them to another CA$125 billion in the coming weeks. While USD/CAD maintained a steady upward movement, it is difficult to characterize the move as a broad-based selloff. Maybe this is more of a trade scuffle than a trade war right now?
China announced additional tariffs of 10% to 15% on U.S. agricultural products, effective March 10. Mexico is set to announce its own retaliatory tariffs on March 9.
Now, the focus shifts to Trump’s next move. He has already suggested he will reciprocate the reciprocation. Where does this end? Full blown trade war? Meanwhile, reports suggest he is considering easing sanctions on Russia.