Monthly Coffee Break

The global economic cycle is not ending yet – it is reshaping. Following a volatile first quarter and trade escalation at the start of April, May 2025 shows de-escalation amid numerous trade tariff headlines.

After the hit to risky assets and even US Treasury bonds in the wake of the so-called “Liberation Day” announcement of a far higher tariff regime, some semblance of calm returned to markets.

Liberation Day was a shock for investors, causing a tremendous impact on financial markets. Hard-data economic indicators continue to hold up but are pointing to a deceleration.

“Volatility” would be the key word to describe global markets in April, as the set of tariffs announced by President Trump were broader and more punitive than expected.