Key Points

The first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term have seen the US dollar weaken significantly against major currencies. Gold prices have surged by 22%, reflecting heightened investor uncertainty and market volatility. While US equities underperform, Indian stocks rebound after RBI eases interest rates. Oil prices also drop below $60 amid global trade tensions and weak economic data.

Key Points: Trump 2.0's First 100 Days Sees Dollar Slump and Gold Soar

  • US dollar worst-performing G10 currency in Trump's first 100 days
  • Gold prices surge 22% amid investor uncertainty
  • S&P 500 lags global markets while Indian stocks rebound
  • Oil prices dip below $60/bbl due to trade tensions
2 min read

Dollar dips, gold soars in Trump 2.0's first 100 days

US dollar falls 7% against GBP while gold surges 22% in Trump's second term amid policy uncertainty and market volatility.

"While gradual depreciation may have been a policy objective, the depth of the correction hastens questions about US exceptionalism. - HSBC Research"

New Delhi May 5

The first 100 days of US President Donald Trump's second term has seen the US dollar as the worst-performing G10 currency and gold soaring over 22 per cent, according to HSBC asset management research note.

Trump joined office of the President US on January 20, 2025 and from that time US dollar has depreciated over 7 per cent in terms of Great Britain Pound (GBP).

"While gradual depreciation may have been a policy objective of the new administration, the depth of the correction has hastened questions about a possible end of US exceptionalism," said the research note.

The research note says that surging gold price - up by 22% in the first 100 days - has reinforced a sense of investor uncertainty. It says that volatility has been driven by policy uncertainty, requiring investors to not only consider what the landing zone for the US tariff policy might be, but also how much damage may have already been done.

It notes disrupted market correlations, with stocks and bonds, as well as interest rates and dollar exchange rates, exhibiting unusual behaviour.

The US equities have also underperformed in the first 100 days of President Trump, with the S&P 500 ranking among the poorest-performing stock indexes globally.

However, Indian stocks have revived after RBI eased interest rates.

"Indian fixed income returns were subdued in early 2025 as investors fretted over the country's economic resilience to global headwinds. But that reversed sharply in March after the Reserve Bank of India finally kicked off its easing cycle," the research note said.

It highlighted the role of technical factors in bolstering the attractiveness of Indian bonds. The Reserve Bank of India's efforts to enhance market liquidity, combined with the government's commitment to fiscal consolidation, are expected to create a positive environment for bond supply and demand.

During the period, oil prices have experienced significant fluctuations, recently dipping below USD 60/bbl for the first time since early 2021, weighed down by a combination of factors, including increasing concerns about the global demand outlook amid trade tensions and weak US economic data, the research note said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see RBI's timely intervention helping our markets! While global uncertainty continues, India seems to be handling it better than most. The fiscal consolidation efforts are showing results. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Trump's policies creating global instability again...not surprised! But lower oil prices are a blessing for India's economy. Hope this continues and petrol prices come down further.
A
Amit S.
Gold at record highs shows people don't trust paper currencies anymore. My father always said keep 10% in gold - looks like his traditional wisdom was right! 🪙
N
Neha T.
While India's doing relatively well, we shouldn't celebrate too soon. Global volatility affects us too - look at how IT stocks fell last quarter. Need more self-reliance in manufacturing.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how the dollar is falling while gold rises. In Gujarat, we've seen gold shops doing record business this year. People prefer tangible assets during uncertain times.
S
Sanjay P.
The research mentions RBI's easing cycle helping bonds, but what about inflation? Common people are still struggling with high vegetable prices. Policy makers need to balance both growth and inflation.

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