Economist Alex Krüger is warning that President Trump’s trade policies could trigger a major stock market downturn, echoing the severity of the 2008 crisis. Krüger, who boasts a large following on X (formerly Twitter), argues that the tariffs are creating a dangerous situation.
A Looming Credit Crisis?
Krüger’s main concern is the potential for a credit crisis. He explains that if lenders lose confidence due to economic uncertainty caused by the trade war, they may become hesitant to issue new loans. This could lead to a domino effect: businesses struggle to access credit, they fail, and then banks suffer, potentially causing a widespread market collapse. He points out that while the current situation isn’t an exact replica of 2008 (which was primarily a credit crunch), a trade war could easily trigger a similar crisis.
He paints a grim picture: “Stagflation leads to frozen consumer spending, causing businesses to fail, then banks to fail – a recipe for disaster.” He even suggests that a significant market downturn could be triggered by relatively minor events, such as further retaliatory actions from Europe or an escalation of Trump’s trade policies.
Recession Fears Rise
Krüger also believes that the escalating trade war significantly increases the chances of a US recession within the next year. He states that “anything is possible” if the situation continues to worsen.
The Current Market
At the time of writing, the S&P 500 was trading at 5,062 points. However, Krüger’s warning highlights the potential for a dramatic shift, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and discussion only, and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct thorough research and consult with a financial professional before making any investment decisions.
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