Tariff Scorecard: Keeping Score in the Latest Wave of Tariffs
Tariffs are once again front and centre in investors’ minds. Since returning to office, President Trump has hit several major trading partners with new levies and rolled out a wave of new threats. The list is growing fast, with entire countries and key sectors in the crosshairs, making it tough to keep track of what’s actually in effect and what’s still just a warning shot.
So, here’s a quick recap.
After everything that’s gone down in the markets over the past couple of weeks – wild swings, big headlines, and whispers of manipulation – I figured it was a good time to talk about something that doesn’t come up often enough: how the stock market can be manipulated, and what that actually means for us investors.
The sell-off at the start of the week wiped out the past 12 months of gains, with stocks edging closer to bear market territory. Since the previous Thursday, US markets saw their steepest three-day decline since 1987 – and before that, not since World War II. Meanwhile, Canada’s TSX Composite Index (TSX) experienced its sharpest drop since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, though, the damage was self-inflicted—and, frankly, far from fun. ☹
Monthly Market and Portfolio Review February was a rollercoaster for North American markets, with early gains wiped out by a sharp drop at month’s end, as shown in the chart below. The biggest market mover was renewed tariff threats on Canada, Mexico, and China. While investors initially reacted with uncertainty, many began tuning out the […]
10 Common Investing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!) Investing is a great way to build wealth, but mistakes can cost you. Trust me – I’ve made plenty. ☹ Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for a while, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to […]
With tariffs dominating the news the last few weeks, I thought it’d be a good time to talk about how they impact us as consumers and investors.
What Are Tariffs?
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, meant to regulate trade and protect domestic industries. In this case, President Trump is using them as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. By making foreign products more expensive, tariffs can push consumers toward locally made goods, but they often come with unintended consequences.