Displaying items by tag: Trump

(Washington)

In a highly unusual break from presidential tradition, President Trump weighed in yesterday on the Fed’s current policy approach, and he was not happy. Speaking in regard to recent rate hikes and plans to continue doing so, Trump said “I’m not thrilled … Because we go up and every time you go up they want to raise rates again ... I am not happy about it. But at the same time I’m letting them do what they feel is best.” Speaking plainly, Trump continued “I’m just saying the same thing that I would have said as a private citizen … So somebody would say, ‘Oh, maybe you shouldn’t say that as president. I couldn’t care less what they say, because my views haven’t changed. I don’t like all of this work that we’re putting into the economy and then I see rates going up”.

FINSUM: The media is trying to make a very big deal out of this, but in our view, these are pretty benign comments, especially coming from Trump.

(New York)

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has just formally opened an investigation into Trump’s charity activities. The state accuses the Donald J. Trump Foundation of violating state tax laws regarding campaign financing, self-dealing, and illegally coordinating with the presidential campaign. The state seeks to dissolve the foundation in addition to other measures. The investigation may turn criminal, in which case it could widen in scope to include much of Trump’s personal financial affairs, including his tax returns.

FINSUM: Hard to know how broad this could extend, but it seems like it will certainly intersect with Mueller’s investigation. It could prove a big headache for the president.

(New York)

Investors look out, it is time to go on the defensive, at least according to JP Morgan. The top strategist at JPMorgan Asset & Wealth Management, Michael Cembalest, has just told investors that the growing trade war and its threat to markets and the economy means investors need to be very worried. Cembalest points out that this will be the first sustained rise in tariffs across the global economy in 50 years and it is a profound shift away from decades of historical precedent. If the US proceeds with a further $200 bn tariff package on top of its $34 bn package, then markets could be in for a wild ride, says JP Morgan. They advise to focus on consumer staples and tech stocks.

FINSUM: This is a pretty stark warning from JP Morgan and it does make sense. Because there is little recent precedent for trade war, the market may not be accurately pricing the threat it poses.

(Washington)

President Trump faced nothing short of public and political outrage in the US yesterday, after he essentially sided with Russia’s view of the 2016 election meddling scandal. When asked about Russia’ alleged meddling in the election, Trump insinuated that he believed Putin’s side of the story more than that of US intelligence agencies (though he did not say this outright). That sparked widespread condemnation from political foes and allies alike.

FINSUM: Whatever you think of Trump’s comments, most might agree that these are some of his most provocative and risky comments yet. The reason being that appearing to “side” with Russia might undermine some of his own nationalist voter base.

(New York)

There is no denying it, small cap stocks are having their moment in the sun. The Russell 2000 is up over 10% this year, while the S&P 500 is up only 3.2%. A number of factors are powering them: tax cuts that benefit small companies more than large ones, better US than overseas growth, and a rising Dollar amid heightening trade disputes. In light of this, the WSJ has picked 3 small cap stock funds for investors to consider. They are: DFA US Small Cap Value Portfolio, T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Small-Cap Growth Equity Fund, and the Harbor Small Cap Value Fund.

FINSUM: Reading about their strategies, the T.Rowe offering looks particularly interesting and has the best five-year annualized return of 14.6%.