Some consider that Donald Trump is intentionally making an attempt to trigger a pointy downturn in equities to power a flight into treasuries. In that case, the Federal Reserve would have extra of a cause to slash rates of interest—Trump’s longstanding want. Trump has said that the markets are present process an “operation” of types, however I’d not underestimate his long-term plan right here.
Trump overtly states that he desires corporations to maneuver manufacturing to the US to keep away from tariffs. This will even promote home commerce as corporations will search to keep away from levies. US farmers can be incentivized to promote domestically, which may decrease the value of groceries a lot to the pleasure of the American public.
The concept that a decline within the inventory market may really trigger a flight into treasuries sounds counterintuitive on the floor, however while you perceive how capital flows and confidence function globally, it makes good sense. Capital strikes globally and all the time seeks the most secure place to park. Unexperienced and retail merchants are inclined to panic at bigger downturns and unload.
All the pieces comes right down to CONFIDENCE. A downturn in equities may trigger a kneejerk response into treasuries as a result of individuals nonetheless belief that the federal government will make good on their funds. Huge institutional cash started fleeing the general public sector for the non-public sector years in the past. What now we have seen for the reason that implementation of Trump’s tariffs is a brand new demand for treasuries.
The 10-year treasury yield dropped from 4.25% in late March 2025 to 4.01% by April 1, whereas the two-year fell to three.68%. Billions have fled into the bond market since these tariffs have been introduced. JPMorgan, for instance, mentioned that there’s now a 60% danger of a recession and is shifting towards the bond market.
Reducing treasury charges will make houses extra inexpensive by reducing mortgage charges. Particular person nations have been fleeing US treasuries, creating an enormous danger for an eventual default. All of a sudden, a minimum of briefly, the inventory market now not looks as if a protected place to park cash. The Trump Administration first confirmed the world that it was reducing spending and making an attempt to cut back the deficit. A downturn in rallies DOES NOT assure a rally within the bond market, however we’re witnessing a short-term movement into treasuries. Nonetheless, the pc has warned that 2028 will mark a serious turning level in confidence the place any remaining confidence in authorities vanishes. For now, we might get pleasure from a short lived decline in treasury yields because of these tariffs.