Are we ready for Trump 2.0? What's certain is that the unpredictability factor will remain. Over the past four years, the US economic state hasn't changed much. Debts are higher, jobs growth is so-so, wealth gap appears to be wider etc although to be fair, it's the same situation in other countries. Every nation was caught in the inflationary hot bath as global trade tried to find a new balance in supply and demand while managing a few conflicts. Yet, the situation has not stabilized. It was always an uphill task for the Democrats. Safe to assume that their report card isn't great and Harris tried but couldn't convince the American regular citizen. After all, she's a major part of the current team and therefore unfortunately tagged as the echo of Biden, unable to shift away from his shadow. In this context, Trump returned at the right time to offer his version of a trade fix. That might actually be useful. His biggest tool is the USD. It may seem to be a diminishing influence but I don't think there's any alternative out there at least over the next term, not even Bitcoin. Hopefully, he has learnt some lessons from the previous experience and make better judgements. If so, the Republicans are here to stay (as mentioned here). Perhaps he can start by earning some goodwill through stopping the Russian war, as he so proclaimed, but as with anything Trump, who knows...
Meanwhile, I have received the $200 NS credit and promptly transferred to CPF. My three year old Apple watch broke down after a swim. Took it to a repair shop and spent $58 on OEM battery. Now, it doesn't hold a charge well and drains off within a day. I intend to buy a new watch once this burns out. Christmas is approaching and sales promotions are out in full force. This is a good time to renew subscriptions, buy maintenance parts such as water filter medium or stock up on non perishable items.
Tip: Famille JM Cazes Pauillac 2019, young forward suppleness, graphite in a medium body, inviting
