Elon Musk claims $1 trillion in savings

The
Daily Trade

Hey Daily Traders,

President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on foreign autos and parts are poised to shake up the auto industry, potentially raising car prices and affecting consumer spending across the board. As the industry grapples with these changes, the broader economy could feel the pinch, especially considering the ongoing supply chain challenges and the delicate balance of domestic manufacturing incentives.

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy's 2.4% growth in Q4 2024, fueled by consumer spending, shows resilience amidst uncertainty. With trade policies like the new tariffs looming, and inflationary pressures rising, the outlook for 2025 remains clouded, highlighting the importance of staying informed and prepared for potential shifts in economic dynamics.


Here's what's happening today:

Question

How do you think President Trump's 25% auto tariffs will impact your future car purchasing decisions—will you opt for domestic vehicles or reconsider buying altogether?

Reply to this email with your answer

Stock Market

Trump's Tariffs and Their Ripple Effect on the Auto Industry
President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on foreign autos and parts are set to create significant challenges for the auto industry. These tariffs, which are part of a broader trade policy overhaul, are expected to increase the prices of new vehicles and impact the used car market. With the global supply chain being highly integrated, automakers are likely to face disruptions, and consumers could see car prices rise by several thousand dollars. The tariffs are designed to encourage domestic manufacturing, but they may also lead to increased costs for companies that rely on foreign-sourced components.

Industry experts warn that the tariffs could lead to a decrease in consumer spending on other goods as car prices rise, potentially impacting the broader economy. The auto industry, already grappling with supply chain issues from the pandemic, may face further challenges as it adjusts to the new trade landscape. Automakers and their suppliers are advocating for a tariff implementation that minimizes consumer impact while preserving industry competitiveness.

Key Takeaway
  • Trump's 25% tariffs on foreign autos are expected to increase car prices, affecting both new and used car markets.
  • This matters as it could disrupt the auto industry's supply chain and consumer spending patterns, with broader economic implications.
Stock Market

U.S. Economy Sees 2.4% Growth in Q4 2024 Amid Uncertainty
The U.S. economy experienced a 2.4% growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by robust consumer spending. This growth marks a slight deceleration from the previous quarter's 3.1% pace, as reported by the Commerce Department. While consumer spending rose, business investment saw a decline, particularly in equipment. The economy's overall growth for 2024 was 2.8%, slightly down from 2023. Inflationary pressures were noted, with the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge rising above its 2% target.

Despite the positive growth figures, concerns loom over the potential impact of ongoing trade policies, including newly imposed tariffs on foreign autos. These policies could disrupt investment and push inflation higher, posing risks to future economic growth. The report highlights the economy's resilience at the end of 2024 but points to a clouded outlook as trade uncertainties and policy changes take effect in 2025.

Key Takeaway
  • The U.S. economy grew by 2.4% in Q4 2024, driven by consumer spending.
  • This is important as it highlights economic resilience amid trade uncertainties, although future growth may be challenged by inflation and policy changes.
Stock Market

Ex-Morgan Stanley Advisor Sentenced for Fraud Scheme
Jesus Rodriguez de la Cruz, a former Morgan Stanley financial advisor in El Paso, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud scheme. Between 2018 and 2021, Rodriguez de la Cruz defrauded Morgan Stanley and its clients by making fraudulent transfers from their accounts for personal gain. He created false documents and impersonated clients to authorize these transfers, using the funds for personal purchases, including a Lamborghini.

The fraudulent activities resulted in a loss of over $5 million for Morgan Stanley. Rodriguez de la Cruz pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making a false income tax return. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and robust internal controls within financial institutions to prevent and detect fraudulent activities.

Key Takeaway
  • Jesus Rodriguez de la Cruz was sentenced for defrauding Morgan Stanley of over $5 million.
  • This highlights the need for stringent controls in financial institutions to prevent fraud and protect client assets.
Stock Market

Republicans Face Challenges in Making Tax Cuts Permanent
Republicans in Congress are working to make President Donald Trump's tax cuts permanent, but they face significant obstacles. The primary challenge is the divided opinion within the party on how to fund these cuts while maintaining a balanced budget. The proposed tax cuts, a key part of Trump's 2024 campaign, are expected to be costly, and Republicans aim to use the budget reconciliation process to pass them with a simple majority vote.

However, disagreements over spending cuts and budget targets persist, particularly within the House Freedom Caucus. The GOP is considering using a current policy baseline approach to present the tax cuts as a no-cost measure, but this requires approval from the Senate parliamentarian. The outcome of these negotiations will impact the country's fiscal policy and economic growth, making it a critical issue for lawmakers to resolve.

Key Takeaway
  • Republicans are striving to make Trump's tax cuts permanent amid internal divisions on funding.
  • This matters as it will influence fiscal policy and economic growth, impacting government spending and budget priorities.
Stock Market

Elon Musk Targets $1 Trillion Federal Spending Cut
Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, expressed confidence in reducing federal spending by $1 trillion without affecting core services. In an interview, Musk outlined plans to cut wasteful spending by 15%, aiming to lower the federal deficit from $2 trillion to $1 trillion. The initiative involves streamlining government operations and eliminating inefficiencies, with support from several tech billionaires.

Musk's efforts include revamping outdated government systems with innovative technology solutions. While specific savings targets remain unclear, the initiative represents a significant push to improve government efficiency. The potential impact on federal agencies and services is being closely monitored as Musk's cost-cutting measures continue to unfold.

Key Takeaway
  • Elon Musk aims to cut $1 trillion in federal spending by eliminating waste.
  • This initiative is crucial as it seeks to improve government efficiency and reduce the deficit without impacting essential services.

Today's Technical Analysis

Overvalued
HDB
HDFC Bank Limited
Volume: 4.61M shares | Price: $66.85

Technical Indicator Score: 88% Sell
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 7 indicated sell signals, 1 indicated a neutral signal.
RSI
Sell
MFI
Sell
WillR
Sell
AO
Sell
CCI
Sell
BBANDS
Hold
ULTOSC
Sell
STOCH
Sell

Undervalued
CMF
iShares California Muni Bond ETF
Volume: 1.63M shares | Price: $55.93

Technical Indicator Score: 75% Buy
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 6 indicated buy signals, 2 indicated neutral signals.
RSI
Buy
MFI
Buy
WillR
Buy
AO
Buy
CCI
Buy
BBANDS
Buy
ULTOSC
Hold
STOCH
Hold

Undervalued
PZA
Invesco National AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF
Volume: 2.4M shares | Price: $22.83

Technical Indicator Score: 75% Buy
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 6 indicated buy signals, 2 indicated neutral signals.
RSI
Buy
MFI
Buy
WillR
Buy
AO
Buy
CCI
Buy
BBANDS
Buy
ULTOSC
Hold
STOCH
Hold

Undervalued
ITM
VanEck Intermediate Muni ETF
Volume: 1.2M shares | Price: $45.21

Technical Indicator Score: 75% Buy
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 6 indicated buy signals, 2 indicated neutral signals.
RSI
Buy
MFI
Buy
WillR
Buy
AO
Buy
CCI
Buy
BBANDS
Buy
ULTOSC
Hold
STOCH
Hold

Thanks for Reading!

Your feedback is important to us. We’re always looking for ways to improve and would love to hear your thoughts on how we can make this newsletter even better for you. Whether you have suggestions, ideas, or just want to share what you enjoy most, we’re all ears.

At any time, you can reply to this email with your thoughts. Every comment helps us serve you better.

Thank you for being a valued reader.

Check out our partners!

We’ve teamed up with a few like-minded newsletters to bring you even more fresh insights and fun. If you’re craving extra knowledge, entertainment, and/or inspiration in your inbox, give them a look below!

1. Labrador - Discover high-return real estate deals daily with Labrador— the ultimate bird dog for smart investors.

2. Pour Decisions - Your sommelier-approved excuse to open another bottle. Get weekly wine recommendations from top sommeliers across the world.

3. Quip - A daily dose of jokes, trivia, and inspiration to brighten your day.

How can we improve our newsletter's content?

Your feedback is really important to us. We would really appreciate if you'd take a moment to let us know how we can bring you more value.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Let’s stay in touch!

Thank you for reading today’s edition of The Daily Trade.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn!

-Ryan Serkes

Subscribe here if this email was forwarded to you!

Technical Indicator Information

Relative Strength Index (RSI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 70 | Undervalued threshold: 30

Money Flow Index (MFI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 80 | Undervalued threshold: 20

Williams Percent Range (WillR) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: -20 | Undervalued threshold: -80

Aroon Oscillator (AO) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 75 | Undervalued threshold: -75

Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) | Period: 26/12/9 days | Overvalued threshold: MACD crosses below MACD Signal | Undervalued threshold: MACD crosses above MACD Signal

Stochastic Oscillator (STOCH) | Period: 14/3/3 days | Overvalued threshold: %K crosses below %D above 80 | Undervalued threshold: %K crosses above %D below 20

Commodity Channel Index (CCI) | Period: 20 days | Overvalued threshold: 100 | Undervalued threshold: -100

Bollinger Bands (BBANDS) | Period: 20 days | Overvalued threshold: price >= upper band | Undervalued threshold: price <= lower band

Parabolic Stop and Reverse (SAR) | Period: variable 50 - 100 days | Overvalued threshold: SAR crosses above price | Undervalued threshold: SAR crosses below price

Triple Exponential Average (TRIX) | Period: 15 days | Overvalued threshold: TRIX crosses below 0 | Undervalued threshold: TRIX crosses above 0

Ultimate Oscillator (ULTOSC) | Period: 28/14/7 days | Overvalued threshold: 70 | Undervalued threshold: 30

Directional Movement Index (DMI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: PlusDI crosses below MinusDI | Undervalued threshold: PlusDI crosses above MinusDI

Average Directional Index (ADX) | Period: variable 14 days | Requirement: >= 25

Analysis is only performed on securities with market caps in excess of $100 million and with daily trade volume in excess of $50 million.

Disclaimers

The information in our newsletter is not intended to constitute investment advice and is not designed to meet your personal financial situation. It is provided for information purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor or a group of investors. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described will be profitable. We strongly advise you to discuss your investment options with your financial advisor prior to making any investments, including whether any investment is suitable for your specific needs.

Although we obtain information contained in our newsletter from sources we believe to be reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The analysis provided in this newsletter is based on the prior trading day’s closing prices and may not reflect after-hours trading, earnings announcements, or other significant market events that occur outside regular trading hours. As such, any data or commentary may not fully capture the latest market movements or emerging factors. For the most current and comprehensive view, please consider additional sources or consult with a qualified financial professional.

The information provided in our newsletter is private, privileged, and confidential information, licensed for your sole individual use as a subscriber. We reserve all rights to the content of this newsletter. Forwarding, copying, disseminating, or distributing this newsletter in whole or in part, including substantial quotation of any portion the publication or any release of specific investment recommendations, is strictly prohibited.