Worldwide Financial Planning

Looking past short-term share price movements, Trump’s decision to charge up to $100,000 per application for skilled worker H-1B visas appears short sighted. A considerable portion of US productivity growth in the past few decades, as well most of the growth of US equities in the last three years, originates from US tech giants.

In economics the rival views between the mainstream and the heterodox (I’ll explain) of how inflation works aren’t just academic: they shape policies which ripple through mortgage rates, business costs, pay packets and savings.

This is the first time the Fed has cut rates this year but the cut was widely expected so reaction was muted. More significant is the dovish outlook from the Fed’s voting members, as most now see two further cuts this year. This caused some weakness in the US dollar and helped lift US equities.

Once you realise credit is created out of thin air, the key question becomes: where is that credit going? Is it financing new businesses, sustainable energy, better infrastructure? Or is it pouring into property speculation, driving up house prices and rents while doing little for productive capacity?

Investors also appeared unmoved by rising geopolitical tensions. The shooting down of Russian drones over Poland and Israel’s attack on Hamas’ political leadership in Qatar passed with little market reaction and the price of oil fell slightly after OPEC countries agreed another production hike.

Inflation. Excited to read about it or have a chat at the bar or dinner table? Either way, it’s the guest at every dinner table, nibbling away at your wallet before you've even passed the gravy.