The use of economic statecraft is on the rise. With rivalries among major economies intensifying, countries are increasingly employing tariffs, sanctions and subsidies, contributing to a global realignment in trade flows. Meanwhile, elections in the US and Europe portend new debates over taxes, government spending, and the right fiscal formula to support growth and productivity. In the US, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's tax reductions for individuals are due to expire in 2025, setting the stage for another round of changes to the tax code. Europe faces difficult budget choices amid calls for the bloc to double down on industrial policy and implement capital markets reforms to boost growth—the subject of a highly anticipated report from Mario Draghi. In the face of rapid economic changes and a shifting political landscape, investors need to consider how fiscal policies will influence the evolving investment outlook. Glenn Hubbard and Jason Furman, former Chairs of the Council of Economic Advisers under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, join PGIM Fixed Income's Lead Geopolitical Analyst Mehill Marku in this episode of The Outthinking Investor. The discussion covers major economic challenges facing policymakers, the effects of tariffs on inflation, trade flows, and the broader economy, and the future of U.S. tax policies. Additionally, they explore efforts to boost Europe's economic competitiveness, the importance of remaining vigilant against potential market shocks, and investment strategies to mitigate risks from fiscal and geopolitical uncertainties.
