Market Overview - The Nasdaq reached a record closing high as the second-quarter earnings season begins, with President Trump announcing a 30% tariff on Mexico and the EU, prompting negotiations before the August 1 deadline [1][2] - The S&P 500 is expected to see 4.7% earnings growth on 4% higher revenues for Q2, indicating a slowdown compared to previous quarters [3] Earnings Reports - JPMorgan Chase reported Q2 earnings of $4.96 per share, exceeding estimates by 9.98%, with revenues of $44.91 billion also surpassing expectations [9] - Nvidia's stock rose approximately 4% after announcing plans to resume sales of restricted H20 GPUs to China, with government assurances of license approvals [11][12] Historical Context - The S&P 500 experienced a significant rally, advancing over 25% from April lows, a feat accomplished only five times since 1957, with historical data suggesting double-digit gains in the following year [7] - The first half of the year was marked by volatility due to trade tensions, but market performance improved as trade-talk progress became clearer [5][6]

Contributing analyst to the iREIT+Hoya Capital investment group. The Dividend Collectuh is not a registered investment professional nor financial advisor and these articles should not be taken as financial advice. This is for educational purposes only and I encourage everyone to do their own due diligence. I'm a Navy veteran who enjoys dividend investing in quality blue-chip stocks, BDC's, and REITs. I am a buy-and-hold investor who prefers quality over quantity and plans to supplement his retirement income ...

Core Viewpoint - The impending tariffs, scheduled to take effect on August 1, could significantly impact consumer prices and the economy, despite Wall Street's perception that they are mere posturing [2][3]. Group 1: Tariff Implications - Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, which can lead to increased prices for consumers as businesses are likely to pass on the additional costs [4][10]. - Affected products include a wide range of goods, from cars to groceries, with potential price increases of up to 15% or more [5][11]. - The broad nature of the tariffs will create ripple effects throughout the economy, influencing prices even for domestically produced goods [8][11]. Group 2: Economic Impact - Past trade disputes have shown that tariffs can lead to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and job instability in sectors reliant on global trade [6][12]. - While some domestic industries may benefit from tariffs, the overall effect on the average consumer is likely to be higher costs [13]. Group 3: Financial Strategies - Companies and consumers are advised to take proactive financial measures, such as making major purchases before price increases occur [15]. - Stocking up on non-perishable essentials and seeking domestic alternatives can help mitigate the impact of rising prices [16][17]. - Strengthening emergency funds and considering inflation-resistant investments, such as commodities and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), are recommended strategies [21][23].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a bearish outlook for the Asian economy, suggesting a potential slowdown in growth due to rising effective tariffs and the unwinding of frontloading and transshipment activities [6][15][25]. Core Insights - Asian growth has been supported by low effective tariffs on US imports, but this is expected to change as tariffs rise and scrutiny on transshipment increases [1][6]. - The first half of 2025 saw significant frontloading of exports, particularly in the tech sector, with annualized export momentum reaching nearly 20% [2][5]. - China's export performance has been resilient, with a 20% quarter-on-quarter growth despite punitive tariffs, largely due to transshipment through third countries [3][10]. - Effective tariff rates in Emerging Asia (excluding India and China) are currently around 11%, but could rise to 20.3% if no trade deals are reached [11][15]. - The report forecasts a sharp decline in GDP growth for Emerging Asia, from an average of 3% in the first half of 2025 to 1.3% in the second half [15][16]. Summary by Sections Export Dynamics - Frontloading of exports has significantly boosted growth, with tech exports showing an annualized momentum of 60% [2][5]. - Transshipment of Chinese goods has mitigated the impact of US tariffs, with exports to the US declining by 40% but offset by new markets [3][10]. Tariff Implications - The US has proposed higher tariffs, with a potential doubling of effective rates for many Asian economies if no agreements are reached [11][15]. - Current effective tariff rates are much lower than initially feared, particularly for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which are crucial for economies like Taiwan and Singapore [5][12]. Economic Outlook - The report anticipates a significant slowdown in growth, with EMAX GDP growth expected to drop to less than half of the first half's pace [15][16]. - Monetary policy is expected to play a crucial role in supporting growth, as inflation remains benign and central banks are likely to continue easing cycles [23][25].

Trade & Tariffs Impact - Tariffs are essentially taxes that will be paid by American companies, small businesses, or consumers, not by other countries [2] - Current actions are perceived as raising costs for families, impacting food prices at grocery stores [3] - Farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses are experiencing uncertainty and chaos due to tariffs, which they consider worse than previous trade wars [3] Brazil-US Trade Relations - The US imports various goods from Brazil, including minerals that are essential for powering cars and energy sectors [1] - These Brazilian imports are also linked to daily routines, such as coffee consumption [1] Economic Policy - The current economic situation is being referred to as "Trump's economy" [2] - Previous promises focused on lowering costs for people [2]

Tariff Landscape & Trade Policy - The US administration is considering raising tariffs on Canada to 35%, up from the current 25%, though exemptions for USMCA-compliant goods and a lower 10% tariff for energy are likely to remain [2] - The US President is considering raising the universal baseline tariff from 10% to 15% or even 20%, potentially increasing the cost of all imported goods by at least 15% [4] - The US has postponed the July 9th deadline for reciprocal tariffs but has introduced new tariff threats for Canada and Brazil, including a potential 50% tariff on copper and a possible 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals [5][6] - The US President believes that uncertainty is the best negotiating leverage and is keeping it up [9] - A potential doubling of the universal baseline tariff to 20% on all imports could bring the US back to pre-post-war economy levels, impacting the US services economy and increasing the cost of goods [13][14] Geopolitical & Company Strategy - Canada is strengthening its partnerships throughout the world, signaling a shift in trade relations amid tariff disputes [3] - Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang's visit to the White House and subsequent trip to China amid tariff discussions and export controls suggest potential negotiations for lifting export controls, which would benefit Nvidia [15][16][17][18] - The US President's rhetoric towards China has become more upbeat, with potential trade negotiations on the horizon [17]

Market Trends & Trade Relations - US equities experienced a downturn due to escalating trade tensions initiated by Trump [1] - A 35% tariff was threatened on some Canadian goods [1] - The possibility of increasing levies on most other countries was floated [1]

Trade Policy Changes - US President considers raising universal baseline tariff from 10% to 15% or even 20% [4] - Potential doubling of the baseline tariff, impacting the cost of goods bought from abroad [4] - Initial postponement of major tariffs deadline suggested a potential softening of trade stance, but subsequent threats indicate otherwise [5] Canada Trade Relations - US President announces 35% tariffs on imports from Canada [1][2] - Canada is the second largest US trading partner and the largest buyer of American goods last year [2] - Exemptions for USMCA compliant goods and lower 10% tariff for energy imports may soften the impact [2] - The decision on tariffs is not final [3] Broadening Trade War - New tariff threats against Canada and Brazil [5] - Potential 50% tariff on copper and 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals [6] - A vast expansion of the trade war on multiple fronts is occurring [6]

Trade Relations & Economic Impact - Vietnam's economy is heavily reliant on exports, representing approximately 90% of its GDP [4][8] - The US is Vietnam's largest export market, leading to a significant trade surplus and making it a target for potential tariffs [1] - Potential tariffs from the US, such as a proposed 46% tariff, could profoundly impact Vietnam's economy and manufacturing sector [2][10] - Vietnam experienced substantial foreign investment, exceeding $600 billion since 1988, contributing to export growth [7] Geopolitical Strategy & Manufacturing - Vietnam has become a major player in the global supply chain, manufacturing goods for various American companies and global brands [3][4] - The "China Plus One" strategy led companies to relocate some production to Vietnam to avoid tariffs on Chinese goods, benefiting Vietnam during US-China trade tensions [8][9] - Vietnam employs a "bamboo diplomacy" strategy to navigate complex relationships between the US and China, balancing economic and geopolitical considerations [15][16] - Vietnam's government is proactively engaging with the US to mitigate trade imbalances, including purchasing US products [12] Historical Context & Economic Development - Post-war Vietnam was one of the world's poorest countries, but economic reforms and policies to attract foreign investment have driven significant growth [5][6] - Vietnam's strategy of offering tax incentives, infrastructure development, and an open attitude to global manufacturers has been successful in attracting foreign investment [6]

Let's get back to tariffs where our next guest says the latest moves, the new letters, the new rates signal some concerns about where the trade war is heading. Tobin Marcus is head of US policy and politics at Wolf Research. Tobin, what are you gleaning from this.Because markets are now I think we can say shrugging this off, right. Absolutely. I think the fact that nothing is actually happening for several more weeks is all the explanation that you need for markets continuing to ignore this for now.We've ha ...