FMP

FMP

JPMorgan Warns of Key Differences Between Trump’s First and Second Term Market Setups

As investors anticipate a broadening in equity market participation under President Donald Trump's second term, JPMorgan strategists caution that the macroeconomic backdrop is significantly different from 2017.


1. Different Growth Dynamics in 2025

📌 In 2017, global synchronized growth boosted emerging markets (EMs), the eurozone, and Japan, leading them to outperform the S&P 500 in dollar terms.
📌 The key driver back then was China's 2016 stimulus, which fueled global economic expansion.
📌 Today's landscape is different:

  • The eurozone is no longer outgrowing the U.S., limiting its relative performance.
  • China's economic recovery remains uncertain, with lingering real estate and debt concerns.

🔹 Market Impact:

  • A weaker global growth outlook may keep U.S. equities in the lead.
  • Investors should monitor regional growth trends before making international allocation decisions.

2. U.S. Dollar's Trajectory May Differ from 2017

📌 In Trump's first term, growth convergence between the U.S. and other economies weakened the dollar, benefiting commodities, EM stocks, and international equities.
📌 JPMorgan strategists question whether the USD will follow the same pattern this time.
📌 Trade risks & higher U.S. interest rates could support a stronger dollar in 2025.

🔹 Market Impact:

  • A stronger dollar could pressure commodities & emerging markets.
  • Currency-sensitive U.S. sectors (e.g., technology & multinational companies) could face headwinds.

📊 Track forex trends & global market shifts:


3. Trade Uncertainty & Tariff Risks

📌 Unlike 2017, trade tensions are already present in Trump's second term.
📌 2018 tariffs disrupted markets, causing a stronger dollar & sector shifts.
📌 Now, potential tariffs on China & Europe could lead to:

  • Supply chain disruptions
  • Higher inflation risks
  • Sectoral rotation in equity markets

🔹 Market Impact:

  • Industrials & domestic-focused sectors may outperform amid protectionist policies.
  • Export-heavy industries (e.g., tech & consumer goods) could face headwinds.

📊 Track tariff impacts with historical data:


4. Higher Bond Yields Could Reshape Market Leadership

📌 In 2017, bond yields started at 1.8%, allowing room for the reflation trade to drive equities higher.
📌 Today, yields are significantly higher, with larger fiscal deficits adding to inflation risks.
📌 JPMorgan warns that renewed yield spikes could weigh on stocks.

🔹 Market Impact:

  • High-growth stocks (Tech) could be vulnerable to rising yields.
  • Value & dividend stocks may hold up better in a high-rate environment.

5. U.S. Tech Leadership in Question

📌 JPMorgan sees "fading U.S. exceptionalism" in Tech, downgrading Growth stocks from Overweight to Neutral.
📌 Key Concerns:

  • The Magnificent 7's valuations are stretched.
  • Historically, incumbents don't always benefit from tech disruptionnew players may take the lead.
  • Shift from Semiconductors to Software may offer better risk-reward in 2025.

🔹 Market Impact:

  • Investors may rotate away from mega-cap Tech into more diversified plays.
  • Equal-weighted S&P 500 (instead of market-cap weighted) could outperform if leadership broadens.

Final Thoughts

📌 While Trump's first term saw broad equity participation, 2025's macro backdrop is different.
📌 Investors should watch trade risks, interest rates, and USD trends before making allocation decisions.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
Stronger dollar → Headwinds for EMs & commodities
Trade risks → Uncertainty for exporters
Higher bond yields → Pressure on growth stocks
Tech leadership may shift → Look beyond the Magnificent 7