The US election rematch between President Biden and former President Trump will
focus market attention on their respective agendas. This paper examines the
potential economic and foreign policy changes that could emerge in their second
term, as well as the repercussions for financial markets.
A second Biden term would likely maintain the status quo, but could result in higher
long-term yields, especially given a deterioration in the US fiscal position that
neither party seems eager to address. Trump, on the other hand, would likely
announce dramatic policy shifts, including substantially higher tariffs, the increased
deportation of undocumented immigrants and attempts to dilute the Inflation
Reduction Act (IRA). These changes would constitute a significant supply shock,
and potentially drive inflation and yields higher.
The candidates' foreign policy agendas could lead to a range of outcomes. An
escalation of protectionism, particularly higher tariffs, may provoke retaliation.
The implications of these policies on government financing needs, borrowing costs,
and yields will be crucial for financial markets. While long-term bond yields may
become more volatile, a more concerning development would be persistently
higher-term premia on a secular basis. This is very likely if the public sector balance
sheet continues to deteriorate.
We assess five policy areas based on the candidates’ current comments: foreign
policy, trade, taxes, immigration and energy. While rhetoric may not always
translate into action, stated policies offer valuable insights into the two candidates’
thinking.
Tax policy will be a key issue, with neither candidate proposing a clear path to
US debt sustainability. Trump will prioritise extending his 2017 Tax Cuts and
Jobs Act, while Biden will seek to cut taxes for low-to-middle-income earners
and raise taxes for high-income earners and corporates.
A second term for President Joe Biden will see the US continue to be deeply
involved in geopolitical hotspots, while pressuring allies to share the burden.
Foreign policy under Donald Trump may be less predictable, with intensified
economic sanctions and a less certain commitment to allies.
Biden vs Trump: high stakes in US elections
Immigration remains a politically-charged issue, with both candidates
expected to implement stricter policies, although Trump’s threats to deport
undocumented immigrants will have a strong adverse effect as it will affect
labour supply and wages.
T h e m e s a t a g l a n c e | J u n e 2 0 2 4
MAHMOOD
PRADHAN
HEAD OF MACRO,
AMUNDI INVESTMENT
INSTITUTE
A U T H O R S
ANNA
ROSENBERG
HEAD OF GEOPOLITICS,
AMUNDI INVESTMENT
INSTITUTE
PARESH
UPADHYAYA
DIRECTOR OF FIXED
INCOME AND CURRENCY
STRATEGIES, AMUNDI
Protectionist trade policies would be pursued by both candidates. Biden may
expand the range of targets, while Trump’s desire to protect core US
industries could lead to trade conflicts with allies in Europe and Asia.
Equity markets may perform better under a divided government, as
contentious tax increases and aggressive trade policies are less likely to be
implemented. Both agendas could lead to higher deficits that will push up
debt and Treasury yields.
US energy policy will prioritise self-sufficiency and domestic oil and gas
under Trump, while Biden would continue to support clean energy initiatives.