Trump’s Tariff Policy and the Stock Market Crash: Could the Great Depression Return?


In April 2025, former President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies shook global markets, leading to a sharp decline in U.S. stock prices and an unexpected selloff in the bond market. Some experts argue this could be a deliberate attempt to manipulate economic conditions and pressure the Federal Reserve. Are we witnessing the early signs of a new Great Depression?


---

Is Trump Intentionally Crashing the Market?

– The Hidden Strategy Behind the Tariff Shock

In April 2025, the global financial markets experienced not just turbulence—but real fear. Former President Donald Trump, in the heat of his re-election campaign, announced a sweeping new tariff policy. On April 2nd, declaring “America’s Liberation Day,” he imposed up to 104% tariffs on Chinese imports and a minimum 10% on most other countries.

The markets responded with alarm. The S&P 500 plunged 14% in just four trading sessions, and the Nasdaq officially entered a bear market. However, what stood out even more was the unusual behavior of the bond market.


---


Bonds Selling Off Instead of Rallying?

Typically, when equities fall, investors flee to safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasury bonds. But not this time. In the first week of April, foreign investors sold off $37 billion worth of U.S. Treasuries, causing the 10-year yield to jump from 3.86% to 4.57%.

This wasn’t just a rate adjustment—it was a warning signal. The bond market seemed to be questioning the credibility of U.S. economic stability itself. Economists began calling it a “bond market revolt”, a rare event that reflects deeper financial distrust.


---

A Planned Crisis to Pressure the Fed?

Some analysts suggest that Trump may be intentionally destabilizing the markets to force the Federal Reserve into cutting interest rates. His comment—“The bond market is smart. I won’t ignore its signals.”—hints at a calculated political maneuver.

But this strategy is not without cost. As of April 2025, U.S. national debt has reached $36.2 trillion. A 0.1% rise in bond yields translates into tens of billions of dollars in additional interest payments. Under this pressure, Trump partially reversed course, announcing a 90-day delay in tariffs for select countries. Yet the damage was already done.


---

What Should We Be Watching For?

Some economists are now warning that this could be the beginning of a modern-day Great Depression. Protectionist policies, they argue, risk driving the economy into stagflation—a toxic mix of inflation and stagnation.

In this volatile environment, both investors and consumers need to be alert. Diversification, risk management, and close monitoring of policy shifts are more essential than ever.


---

Trump’s tariff war is no longer just a trade issue—it’s shaking the foundation of global market trust. In this era of uncertainty, understanding the deeper implications of political decisions is key. Could this crisis also be a hidden opportunity? Time will tell—but only for those who are prepared.

댓글