Thursday, April 10, 2025

The Market Manipulation Game: An Insight into Trump's Rigged Art of the Deal


Yiannis Damellos

"One number to start your day, 304 billion dollars, the increase yesterday in the combined net worth of the world's wealthiest people, the largest one gain in the history of the Bloomberg Billionaires index..."

In the complex world of finance, where fortunes can be made and lost in the blink of an eye, the actions of influential figures can significantly sway market trends. The recent surge in the collective net worth of billionaires, amounting to an astounding 304 billion dollars in just one day, raises critical questions about the integrity of market practices, especially when such wealth is seemingly correlated with political maneuvering. At the heart of this issue is President Donald Trump's apparent manipulation of the market in light of his substantial financial interests, particularly involving his stake in Truth Social and other ventures.

Seven minutes after the market opened yesterday, with the S&P 500 down 0.4% Trump posted on Truth Social "This is a great time to buy". He then did an about-face on tariffs and the index ended with a 9.5% gain. This statement, coming from a public figure with a vested interest in financial markets, signals a significant potential conflict of interest. Does that break the rules? Yes, it does. The ethical line between influence and outright manipulation appears blurred, particularly when thousands of everyday investors face substantial losses amidst the largest one gain in the history of the Bloomberg Billionaires index... Such a drastic turnaround in market performance post-commentary raises alarming implications.  If the rules of market engagement are bent in favor of those with connections to power, the repercussions extend far beyond mere financial figures on a screen.

Moreover, Trump's actions did not merely influence the stock market; they also reverberated through the energy sector, artificially affecting oil prices. By stirring up tariff-related anxiety, he contributed to a temporary deflation of inflation metrics, allowing for a narrative of personal victory against rising costs. Now the inflation rate looks smaller -temporarily- and he is going to come out to brag that he beat inflation. However, this perceived success is superficial. For every individual who believes in the market's integrity, countless others see the manipulation for what it is—an elaborate game where the stakes are their financial stability. The risk of this manipulation lies not only in immediate market fluctuations but also in the long-term trust that investors may lose, both in the market and the political figures governing it. 



As we reflect on these developments, it becomes increasingly clear that the implications of manipulative practices may reverberate for years to come. The savvy investor now recognizes the underlying strategies, actually documenting the dynamic at play and growing more aware of how political discourse can shape financial landscapes. Trump's ability to successfully maneuver the market may falter as more investors awaken to the reality of these tactics. Trust, once lost, is arduous to regain, and with every action that seems to put personal gain above public integrity, the risk for all involved continues to grow. The unfolding narrative demands scrutiny, and it will be intriguing to see how both the market and those in power respond as awareness of these manipulations deepens.

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