CNBC Daily Open: Will Trump's 'America First' Policy Leave the U.S. Behind?

Last week ended with stocks closing positively, however, U.S. futures showed a minor decline on Sunday evening locally.
During a Politburo gathering on Friday, China urged for increased economic assistance.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at expediting deep-sea mining activities.
In response to Trump's tariffs and an escalating U.S.-China trade conflict, Southeast Asian nations are increasingly looking towards one another.
This week is brimming with earnings announcements from the "Magnificent Seven," along with key inflation and employment statistics.

President Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine, broadly speaking, emphasizes national interests over global ones. This approach operates under the belief that the world relies on America more than America depends on the rest of the globe.

This might hold true for the current situation. The U.S. ranks as the globe’s top importer and one of the leading exporters globally, as stated by the data. World Integrated Trade Solution , a dataset supplied by the World Trade Organization.

However, changes are emerging. Nations are discovering methods to address Trump's nationalist actions.

The Southeast Asian countries, which bore the major impact of the Trump administration's tariffs, are now collaborating to boost trade within the region and expand their export markets. Meanwhile, China appears poised to enhance its fiscal stimulus measures following an evaluation of the potential consequences from Trump’s threatening actions.

The U.S. doesn’t have a monopoly over every aspect of global politics, as well. China. manages a significant portion of the rare earth elements supply chain as well as critical minerals like nickel and copper Trump's approval for deep-sea mining of these minerals indicates that the U.S. is trying to close the gap with China.

A strategy focused on “America First” might end up being counterproductive as it could push other nations to implement actions that ultimately result in the U.S. falling behind.

Here’s what you should be aware of today

Winning week for stocks The major U.S. indices rose on Friday. Wrapping up the week with gains, the S&P 500 climbed 0.74%, securing its longest rally of four consecutive days since January. The Nasdaq Composite also gained ground, increasing by 1.26%, whereas the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher by just 0.05%. Nonetheless, stock futures edged lower On Sunday evening locally, the European Stoxx 600 regional index gained 0.35% on Friday. fourth consecutive daily gain The UK's FTSE 100 finished 0.1% higher, marking its 10th consecutive day of gains and stretching its winning streak to its longest since 2019.

China urges for increased economic assistance.

China plans to assist beleaguered enterprises using various strategies and urged for “prompt decreases” in interest rates due to “heightened external shocks,” as stated minutes from a Politburo session Led by President Xi Jinping on Friday, thePolitburo meeting—the second-most powerful political entity in China—occurred as tensions escalateinthe ongoingtrade disputebetween theU.S. andChina. This translation was providedbyCryptonesia.

Trump signs order to boost deep-sea mining U.S. President Donald Trump issued a comprehensive executive order on Thursday. kick-start the contentious activity of deep-sea mining , which employs large-scale equipment to extract minerals and metals from the ocean floor. This initiative aims to strengthen America’s supply of critical materials like nickel, copper, and rare earth elements, thereby reducing reliance on China. dominant position within critical mineral supply chains.

Countries in Southeast Asia look towards one another.

Asian export-driven nations faced significant challenges due to President Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs and the subsequent U.S.-China trade conflict. These economies heavily rely on China as one of their primary trading partners, whereas the U.S. also plays an essential role as another major market for them. strategic partner In sectors such as defense and development, rather than choosing sides, the countries in this region are focusing on growing their individual economies. bolstering commercial relationships amongst themselves .

[PRO] Focusing on Earnings and Figures More than This week, 180 firms listed in the S&P 500 will release their earnings reports. This makes it the most active phase during the first-quarter earnings season, according to Sarah Min from Cryptonesia. Key companies to keep an eye on are Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple. Additionally, investors should monitor the personal consumption expenditures price index, which will be released on Wednesday, as well as the nonfarm payrolls report due out on Friday.

And finally...

Inflation control almost achieved but tariff threats remain — what Members of the European Central Bank stated earlier this week

The European Central Bank officials who spoke with Cryptonesia during this week’s Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund maintained a generally dovish stance. They indicated expectations for further decreases in interest rates and noted minimal upward pressures on eurozone inflation.

Christine Lagarde, who leads the European Central Bank, stated that the "disinflationary process is well underway and close to being complete."

Nevertheless, everyone highlighted the present elevated levels of uncertainty, the necessity to continually track data, and the significant threats to economic growth prospects. For example, Lagarde warned that the global economy is facing "shocks" which will act as a drag on GDP.

Reflecting her view, Klaas Knot, who leads The Netherlands Bank, stated, "The doubt induced by the erratic nature of the U.S. government’s tariff moves acts as a significant deterrent to economic expansion."