boosting the richest by $12,000 a year. Joining us right now is Phil Swagel. He's the director of the Congressional Budget Office.And Phil, let's talk through some of the criticism you've received. Russ Vought said on X that this bill reduces deficits by $1.4% trillion. When you adjust for the CBO's one big gimmick, not using a realistic current policy baseline.Caroline Leavitt said that the CBO assumes long term GDP growth of an anemic 1.8%. And that's absurd. And then you had President Trump himself sayin ...

And let's bring in Torston Slock. He is partner and chief economist at Apollo. And Torstston, don't worry.We're not going to ask you to pine on any of the geopolitical stuff. You your job as an economist is to factor in all the costs that we see and establish a conclusion. Here's the reality about the price of oil. We we think about the price of oil when it comes to gasoline.And that's true. About half of a barrel of oil goes into gasoline. But oil goes into a lot of things.Plastics, natural gas, by the way ...

Inflation & Economic Policy - The administration believes its policies are driving down inflation by boosting the economy's supply side, enabling firms to produce more efficiently [1][2] - Concerns exist that companies may hesitate to pass on tariff-related costs due to fears of reduced consumer demand, potentially impacting economic growth and bottom lines [3] - The theory of tax incentives suggests the more inflexible party bears the tariff burden, with American consumers potentially changing consumption patterns [4][5] Trade & Tariffs - Firms can adjust supply chains, sourcing from countries with favorable trade deals, to avoid tariffs [6][7] - Tariffs aim to encourage countries to lower barriers to US products, creating more balanced trade and offering alternative markets [21] - Reciprocal tariffs remain a negotiating tool, potentially implemented if trade negotiations don't progress [19][22] - The president intends to use tariffs to incentivize countries to advance negotiations and make concessions, fostering a fair trade environment [24] Fiscal Policy & Deficit - The administration asserts it takes the deficit seriously and has a plan to reduce it through tax relief, deregulation, energy abundance, and trade renegotiation, aiming for 3% GDP growth [12][13] - Increased GDP growth, tariff revenues, and supply-side expansion are expected to contribute to deficit reduction [13] - Incentives like full expensing of equipment, R&D, and new factories are designed to stimulate investment in America, expanding productive capacity and keeping inflation low [8][9][10] - The administration anticipates deficit reduction through better economic growth, tariff revenue, reduced interest expenses, and cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse [16] - The administration projects 3 to 4 percentage points of GDP worth of deficit reduction, not fully reflected in the CBO score [15]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry discussed [3]. Core Insights - The global real GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.4% year-on-year in 2025, influenced by higher US tariffs and trade policy uncertainty [4][5]. - In the US, real GDP growth is projected to be 1.0% in 2025, with a 35% probability of entering a recession within the next 12 months [4]. - The Euro area is anticipated to see a real GDP growth of 0.9% year-on-year in 2025, affected by elevated trade policy uncertainty [4]. - China is expected to achieve a real GDP growth of 4.6% year-on-year in 2025, despite ongoing challenges in the property market [5]. Economic Forecasts - The LME aluminum price forecast for 2025 has been raised to $2,400 per metric ton, while the 2026 forecast has been lowered to $2,230 per metric ton [1]. - Core inflation in the US is expected to rise to 3.6% year-on-year by the end of 2025, driven by higher tariffs [4]. - The unemployment rate in the US is projected to increase to 4.5% by the end of 2025 [4]. - The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to implement a series of rate cuts, reaching a policy rate of 1.75% by July 2025 [4]. Regional Insights - In the US, consumer spending and business investment are anticipated to be negatively impacted by elevated policy uncertainty and rising tariffs [4]. - The Euro area is expected to experience a cooling in services inflation, contributing to a decline in core inflation to 2.1% by the end of 2025 [4]. - In China, inflation is projected to remain very low, with CPI inflation expected to end the year at 0% and PPI inflation at -2.1% [5].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Hong Kong Economic Outlook - **Key Focus**: Economic growth projections, trade dynamics, financial sector performance, and tourism recovery Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Upward GDP Revision**: The GDP growth projection for 2025 has been revised up to 2.2% from a prior projection of 1.0%, surpassing the current market consensus of 2.0% [1][4] 2. **Strong 1Q Growth**: Hong Kong's GDP growth accelerated to 3.1% year-on-year in 1Q25, compared to 2.5% in 4Q24, marking the fastest sequential expansion since 1Q23 [2][4] 3. **Investment Growth**: Key supporting factors for the strong 1Q growth include improvements in investment growth and net service export growth, particularly in machinery, computer, and software investments [2][11] 4. **Financial Sector Momentum**: Despite the April tariff shock, financial sector activity has shown significant improvement, which is expected to support overall growth into 2Q25 [3][21] 5. **Tourism Recovery**: The May Golden Week holiday saw the highest daily visitor arrivals since the COVID shock, with nearly 20% growth in visitor arrivals, indicating a recovery in tourism [3][23][26] 6. **Tariff Risks**: Despite the positive outlook, growth is projected to moderate due to elevated trade tariff uncertainties, with significant risks tied to US-China trade talks [4][40] Additional Important Insights 1. **Interbank Rates**: The 3-month HIBOR fell to 1.37% as of May 26, down from 3.99% at the end of April, which is seen as positive for the economy, particularly for interest-sensitive sectors [6][40] 2. **Domestic Consumption**: Outbound consumption has shown signs of slowing, while inbound consumption is picking up, suggesting potential for domestic sector recovery if visitor numbers continue to rise [3][19][28] 3. **Investment Trends**: There is a noted stabilization and uptick in investment in machinery and equipment, which is crucial for supporting economic growth [13][11] 4. **Economic Indicators**: The report includes a summary of macro indicators, showing a projected real GDP growth of 2.2% for 2025, with private consumption expected to grow by 2.0% [8][4] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call regarding the economic outlook for Hong Kong, highlighting both opportunities and risks in the current environment.

Investment Rating - The report does not specify a direct investment rating for the industry [1] Core Insights - Global real GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.4% year-on-year in 2025, influenced by higher US tariffs [4] - In the US, real GDP growth is projected to decrease to 1.1% in 2025, with a 35% probability of entering a recession within the next 12 months [4] - Core inflation in the US is anticipated to rise to 3.6% year-on-year by the end of 2025, driven by tariff increases [4] - The Euro area is expected to see real GDP growth of 0.9% year-on-year in 2025, with core inflation falling to 2.1% [4] - China is forecasted to achieve a real GDP growth of 4.6% year-on-year in 2025, despite ongoing uncertainties in trade relations [4][5] Economic Forecasts - Global GDP growth is projected at 2.4% for 2025, with the US at 1.1%, China at 4.6%, and the Euro area at 0.9% [15] - The Federal Reserve is expected to implement three 25 basis point rate cuts starting in December, reaching a terminal rate of 3.5-3.75% [4] - The European Central Bank is anticipated to continue rate cuts until reaching 1.75% by July 2025 [4] - Inflation rates are expected to remain low in China, with CPI and PPI inflation projected at 0% and -2.1% respectively by the end of the year [5]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a cautious outlook on the industry, with a potential downside risk of 0.5 percentage points to the 2025 GDP growth forecast if US-China tariffs remain at current levels [11]. Core Insights - The report highlights that while direct tariff impacts have been mitigated by trade rerouting, growth and deflationary pressures are mounting, with real GDP year-on-year expected to slip by approximately 1 percentage point to around 4.5% in the second quarter of 2025 [9][11]. - The report discusses the ongoing US-China trade tensions, noting that the terminal tariff rates will remain elevated despite potential de-escalation talks [5][6]. - It emphasizes the need for policy measures to support consumption and economic growth, including a supplementary fiscal package and monetary easing [34][40]. Summary by Sections Tariff Impact - The report outlines that headline reciprocal tariffs would remain at 60%, but the trade-weighted tariff hike would be reduced to 34% with exemptions on certain products [6][7]. - It notes that the direct tariff shock was mitigated in April, but exports to the US could decline further in May [13]. Economic Growth - Real GDP growth is projected to decline, with a new forecast indicating a drop to around 4.5% year-on-year in 2Q25 [9][10]. - The report suggests that deflationary pressures are likely to persist, affecting overall economic performance [28][30]. Consumption and Investment - There is a noted decline in consumer spending, particularly during the Labor Day holiday, indicating subdued consumption appetite [23][24]. - The report identifies potential investment opportunities in manufacturing upgrades, urban infrastructure renewal, and basic scientific research [36][40]. Policy Measures - The report outlines a series of policy measures aimed at stimulating the economy, including faster issuance of government bonds and a consumer goods trade-in program [34]. - It anticipates a Rmb1-1.5 trillion supplementary fiscal package in the second half of 2025 to support economic recovery [34][40].

Group 1 - Banc of California (BANC) has provided a cautious outlook and a conservative forward strategy, which may indicate a potential decline in GDP growth, impacting industrial activity significantly [2] - The oil and gas industry is characterized as a boom-bust, cyclical sector, requiring patience and experience for successful investment [2] Group 2 - The analysis of oil and gas companies focuses on identifying undervalued entities, examining their balance sheets, competitive positions, and development prospects [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious outlook on the industry, with GDP growth tracking below 4.5% year-on-year for 2Q 2025, down from 5.4% in 1Q 2025, primarily due to escalating tariffs impacting trade with the US [1][10]. Core Insights - The report highlights significant trade impacts from the 125% reciprocal US tariffs on China, leading to a sharp decline in shipments to the US and a notable drop in China's container throughput and freight shipping prices [2][10]. - Consumer sentiment is weakening, with rising household concerns over jobs and salaries, resulting in reduced consumption appetite and a cooling property market [3][10]. - The report suggests that while tariff de-escalation may occur in the next 1-2 months, achieving a durable resolution remains challenging due to the complexity of bilateral issues [5][8]. Summary by Sections Economic Impact - 2Q GDP growth is projected to slow significantly, with a forecast below 4.5% year-on-year, attributed to the adverse effects of US tariffs [1][10]. - The logistics data indicates a 64% week-on-week decline in ocean container bookings from China to the US in early April 2025 [2]. Consumer Sentiment - The AlphaWise Consumer Pulse Survey indicates initial signs of a secondary hit from US tariffs, with increased household concerns over job security and reduced consumption [3][19]. - Year-on-year sales of online home appliances and passenger cars have softened, and secondary housing sales have moderated more than seasonal trends would suggest [3][27]. Tariff Analysis - The report identifies low tariff elasticity for 30-40% of China's export products to the US, particularly in consumer electronics, which constitute 22% of China's exports to the US [4][21]. - The expectation is that US tariffs on China could be reduced to 60% by the end of June 2025, contingent on successful trade negotiations [5][8]. Policy Response - The report anticipates that Beijing will implement a front-loaded Rmb2 trillion stimulus package in 2Q 2025, with an additional Rmb1-1.5 trillion supplementary fiscal package expected in the second half of the year [10][32]. - As of April 2025, 36% of this year's government bond quota has been utilized, compared to an average of 20% in the past five years, indicating a proactive policy approach [10][29].

Core Insights - Brazil's newly launched payroll-deductible loan program for private sector workers is projected to add approximately 0.6 percentage points to GDP growth, equating to nearly BRL 70 billion (around USD 11.7 billion) annually [1][2] - The program, initiated on March 21, 2025, aims to provide affordable credit to 47 million formal employees, including household and agricultural workers, through the Digital Work Card app [2] - Strong demand for the loans is evident, with over BRL 4.5 billion (approximately USD 750 million) in loans granted shortly after the program's launch [2] Economic Impact - The program is viewed as a strategic macroeconomic lever, allowing households to replace high-cost debt with lower-interest payroll loans, thereby increasing disposable income and stimulating consumption [3] - XP has revised Brazil's GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 2.0% to 2.3% and for 2026 from 1.0% to 1.5%, with an optimistic scenario suggesting a potential increase of up to 1.0 percentage point in GDP growth if adoption accelerates [3] - The program is expected to soften the impact of global economic challenges and tighter monetary conditions, showcasing the resilience of Brazil's economy [4] Mechanisms of Impact - The analysis identifies two key transmission effects: - A substitution effect where consumers replace expensive debt with cheaper loans, leading to a GDP impact of +0.35 percentage points [5] - An incremental effect where increased credit access stimulates consumption-led lending growth, contributing an additional +0.2 percentage points to GDP [5]