Is Trump's Trade War the New Voldemort for Your Wallet?!

Honestly Must Everything End in Tears?

Honestly sometimes I feel like I'm back in primary school trying to explain basic logic to a troll! Only this time the troll is... well let's just say he's rather fond of golden hair and questionable tweets. This Torsten Slok chap Apollo Global Management's chief economist has released a report detailing the potential economic fallout from the ongoing trade war. And let me tell you it's about as cheerful as a Dementor's kiss!

Stagflation?! Sounds Like a Particularly Nasty Curse!

Apparently if these tariffs stay put the U.S. GDP could drop by 1.5% while inflation might rise by the same amount. Slok – and I swear I’m not making up these names – calls it a 'stagflationary shock'. Sounds like something Professor Flitwick would be struggling to pronounce! He rightly points out that the 'textbook' outcome of a trade war is lower growth and higher prices! It is elementary my dear Trumpson! Honestly where is the logic?

The Stock Market's Doing a Very Un Magical Disappearing Act!

The stock market is apparently doing its best impression of a vanishing cabinet! China retaliated Trump dug in his heels (naturally!) and the market took a nosedive for the second day running. We're talking about a $6 trillion decline in the S&P 500 since February! Even worse the 'Magnificent Seven' – Nvidia Apple Amazon Alphabet Meta Tesla and Microsoft – lost over a trillion dollars just on Thursday! It’s enough to make even Gringotts goblins sweat.

Not Even 'The Magnificent Seven' Can Vanish This Problem!

According to Slok these 'Magnificent Seven' are particularly vulnerable since a significant chunk of their revenue comes from international markets. It seems even having access to the most cutting edge technology can't protect you from... well let's just call it 'economic incompetence'. It's a bit like trying to fight a dragon with a swotty spell instead of a proper shield charm!

CNBC is Having a Party at the Stock Exchange?!

CNBC is hosting an event at the New York Stock Exchange 'CNBC Pro LIVE'. Supposedly it’s for 'expert insights' and 'networking'. Honestly it sounds a bit like a Slug Club gathering but with less Slughorn and more talk of market trends. If you have lots of money you may want to consider attending! I am sure they have all the answers there!

When Will People Learn?!

Honestly sometimes I feel like banging my head against a wall – or perhaps conjuring a Blasting Curse on a particularly stubborn economic policy! Will people ever learn that short sighted decisions and stubbornness rarely lead to anything good? It's like trying to use a Confundus Charm on a dragon – it might work for a bit but you're going to get burned eventually! As Albus Dumbledore wisely said 'It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live,' but perhaps a *little* bit of foresight wouldn't go amiss either! Now if you'll excuse me I'm off to research 'Advanced Economic Healing Spells'. I have a feeling we're going to need them.