- Trade Tensions Intensify: New tariffs by the U.S. on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China have triggered retaliatory measures, fueling fears of supply chain disruptions and inflation.
- Economic Indicators Signal Weakness: Declining consumer confidence and forecasts of a Q1 GDP contraction suggest the potential onset of a recession.
- Geopolitical and Market Volatility: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty are driving divergent trends in global equity markets, while defensive sectors outperform amid rising risk aversion.
Summary