President Trump’s continued attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, coupled with ongoing tariff uncertainty, sent US stocks and the dollar plummeting on Monday. The Dow dropped over 1,190 points, while the dollar reached a three-year low, reflecting investor concerns about the administration’s unconventional approach to economic policy. This market downturn comes as Powell warned of the inflationary and growth-stunting potential of Trump’s tariffs, further exacerbating existing anxieties. The weakening dollar and rising gold prices signal a loss of confidence in US economic stability, prompting investors to seek safe haven assets.
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Soaring cocoa prices, driven by climate-related crop failures in West Africa, have significantly increased the cost of chocolate. These increases, coupled with new tariffs imposed on imported goods, are further driving up prices for consumers. The limited domestic cocoa production in the US makes it impossible for manufacturers to avoid these tariffs, impacting businesses of all sizes. Consequently, the already elevated price of chocolate is expected to rise even higher, potentially squeezing smaller chocolate makers and altering consumer purchasing patterns. This unstable market environment threatens the viability of some chocolate businesses.
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The U.S. has imposed tariffs as high as 245% on certain Chinese imports, escalating the trade war. This action, targeting goods like aluminum foil and syringes, is a response to China’s export restrictions on critical materials and retaliatory tariffs. The tariffs aim to enhance national security and domestic industries but risk increased costs for consumers and businesses, potentially disrupting supply chains and fueling inflation. China has denounced the tariffs, promising further retaliation, intensifying existing global trade tensions.
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The New York Federal Reserve’s monthly Survey of Consumer Expectations revealed rising consumer anxieties regarding inflation, unemployment, and the stock market in March. One-year inflation expectations jumped to 3.6%, while the probability of higher unemployment surged to 44%, its highest since April 2020. Stock market optimism decreased significantly, falling to its lowest point since June 2022, although expectations for gold price increases rose. These findings align with other consumer sentiment surveys, indicating widespread concern about the economic impact of escalating trade tensions.
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A new CBS News poll reveals declining approval ratings for President Trump’s handling of the economy and inflation, falling 4% since March 30th to 44% and 40%, respectively. This coincides with a majority (59%) of respondents rating the U.S. economy as bad, and 53% believing it’s worsening. Furthermore, 58% blame Trump’s policies for rising prices, while his overall approval rating dropped to 47%. Despite Trump’s claims of success with his tariff policy, a significant portion of Americans disapprove of his approach, particularly concerning its impact on the economy.
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President Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs and spending cuts, pose a significant threat to low- and moderate-income families. These policies, coupled with Republican opposition to a minimum wage increase, are predicted to negatively impact household finances and potentially trigger a recession. A proposed bill, the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, aims to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030, benefiting over 22 million workers. This action is presented as a necessary countermeasure to the economic hardships caused by the current administration’s agenda.
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Consumer sentiment plummeted 11 percent in April, a pervasive decline across all demographics. This marks a 30 percent drop since December, driven by deteriorating expectations regarding business conditions, personal finances, and inflation. The decline follows President Trump’s economically disruptive trade policies, including significant tariff fluctuations that have roiled financial markets. This widespread pessimism signals a heightened risk of an impending recession.
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US consumer sentiment plummeted in April, falling to 50.8 from March’s 57.0, significantly lower than the anticipated 54.5. This sharp decline reflects a growing unease among consumers, stemming from a confluence of factors that paint a worrying picture of the current economic climate. The feeling is palpable – something feels fundamentally broken, fake, even scammy. Many people sense a deliberate undermining of established systems, leading to a widespread loss of faith in the government and its ability to manage the economy.
This erosion of trust is fueled by observable realities: the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and their disruptive impact on markets and the broader economy are major contributors.… Continue reading
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates jumped to 7.1%, a mid-February high, driven by fluctuating bond yields influenced by tariff changes and a cooler-than-expected inflation report. This surge follows a volatile week for bonds, marking potentially the worst week for 10-year yields since 1981, coinciding with a significant drop in consumer sentiment. The increased rates, coupled with economic uncertainty, negatively impact the crucial spring housing market and consumer confidence. Experts predict weakened housing activity as a result of these factors.
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Despite recent decreases, national average gas prices are higher now than three months ago, currently standing at $3.21 per gallon. This contradicts White House claims of a victory, attributing the price drop to the Trump administration’s policies. The decline is largely due to plummeting crude oil prices, driven by uncertainty surrounding new tariffs and potential recession. However, industry experts attribute the recent price increases to seasonal factors, not solely to administration policies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood