The week that passed once again placed global markets at the center of political developments. Although the indices moved sideways, with moderate corrections of up to 2% (before Friday’s upward reversal and close at the day’s highs), President Donald Trump’s agenda brought back to the table a mix of protectionism and growth, a combination that continues to divide opinions but also fuels the expectations of investors who have positioned themselves positively toward the President’s policies.
Trump announced on Sunday, November 9, 2025, that he intends to distribute at least $2,000 per American citizen, funded by the revenues generated from import tariffs. The so-called Tariff Dividend mainly targets the middle class, excluding higher incomes, and would represent the first direct “investment return” for American consumers stemming from his trade policy.
Our view is that such a move could strengthen domestic demand, especially given the Democrats’ persistence in maintaining the government shutdown, a situation that has become increasingly difficult as the Thanksgiving holidays approach, a key period for American households. During these holidays, tens of millions of citizens travel to reunite with their families, something that this year seems challenging amid reduced flights caused by staff shortages and the constrained disposable income of some 700,000 federal employees currently furloughed.
The impasse continues because the Democrats refuse to approve the funding increases the Trump administration requires, citing their demand for a $1.5 trillion allocation for Obamacare, effectively keeping the government under a 40-day shutdown.
This $2,000 relief payment would therefore be particularly useful in supporting consumer companies and boosting short-term liquidity. However, this initiative runs counter to those insisting on repealing tariffs, revenues that are expected to contribute roughly $700 billion annually to U.S. public finances, funds the federal budget clearly needs, as we have repeatedly underlined. As markets open on Monday, investors are expected to show their initial reaction, and, for now, we see that reaction leaning toward optimism.
On the geo-economic front, China announced the suspension of its export ban on rare earth elements (gallium, germanium, antimony, and others) to the United States, a clear sign of de-escalation following recent negotiations with Washington. The decision, which will remain in effect until November 2026, is viewed as a significant step toward stabilizing supply chains across the technology and defense industries.
The Trump–Xi agreement also includes increased Chinese imports of American agricultural products, an unmistakable signal of an effort to rebalance bilateral relations.
For markets, this development temporarily reduces geopolitical risk, offering breathing space to sectors that had been pressured by raw-material shortages. At the same time, it reminds us how strategically critical the West’s dependence on China remains for key high-tech materials, a condition that, as we have long argued, U.S. strategy aims to diminish sharply. This presents multiple opportunities for investors in that sector and beyond.
On Friday, President Donald Trump declared from the White House:
“As of last Friday, the stock market has hit new highs several times over the past nine months… And it will hit new top highs again. This is just the beginning; once the various factories currently under construction in the United States begin operations, things will change completely. We have never seen such prosperity, it’s a great opportunity.”
This statement came as a signal of confidence in the U.S. economy (as reflected on the trading screens during the final 90 minutes of the session) and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a new cycle of growth. As I have often said, Trump wants the stock markets to reach new highs.
Despite recent corrections, the S&P 500 remains near its all-time records, confirming that the market has not only retained its upward momentum but continues to offer even greater opportunities, for several more months ahead.
These statements and developments clearly confirm what we have underlined in our previous analyses: that the trajectory of U.S. markets remains fundamentally bullish, supported by Trump’s strategic policy, which combines industrial revitalization, domestic production strengthening, and fiscal liquidity.
The investment strategy that focuses on the real economy, productive capital, and technological self-sufficiency of the United States is proving valid. As we have often noted, this new phase can serve as the starting point for a long-term growth cycle, with Wall Street acting as the mirror of this economic transition.
Shipping, as always, remains the most immediate indicator of changes in global trade. The de-escalation in U.S - China tensions and the prospect of increased American agricultural and industrial exports are, in my view, expected to boost shipping indices, particularly in the dry bulk and container segments.
The rare-earth agreement, which reduces supply-chain risk for technology and manufacturing, also increases demand for raw materials and semi-finished goods, a trend already reflected in freight rates along key Asia - U.S. routes.
At the same time, energy flows remain elevated: LNG and petroleum shipments continue to rise, as U.S. industrial policy supports energy exports and infrastructure investments. Major shipping companies, especially those with diversified fleets, appear well positioned in this new environment, which combines increased transportation demand with limited vessel supply due to environmental regulations.
For Greek shipowners and investors, the period ahead looks particularly promising. The stabilization of global trade, America’s return to a leading role, and the restructuring of supply chains toward friendly economies are creating new business fields, both in transport operations and in ship financing. Shipping, like American industry, is entering a phase of qualitative upgrading, centered on technology, energy efficiency, and safety. Investment capital seeking stability will, as in 2016 -2019, gravitate toward logistics, infrastructure, and maritime transport, the silent lifeblood of global growth.
Trump’s policy blends protectionism (MAGA) and growth, reinforcing inflation expectations but also energizing domestic activity. The rare-earth deal removes one of the period’s major risks while simultaneously encouraging the rise of U.S. counterpart industries, thereby supporting the technological sector. Markets maintain resilience and positive momentum, with corrections serving as pauses within the broader upward trend.
Investors who act strategically rather than tactically stand to benefit from this new phase of global economic realignment. For the shipping sector, the new cycle highlights opportunities for fleet renewal, trade diversification, and capital strengthening, all within a framework of sustainable dynamic growth.
This week once again confirms that U.S. political direction and market trajectory move in tandem. Trump’s announcements, the agreements with China, and the optimism for new highs in the S&P 500, and beyond, are not isolated headlines. They form parts of a coherent narrative pointing toward the long-term strengthening of the U.S. economy, an opportunity that investors must seize through the right portfolio positioning.
As we have repeatedly written, the America of production and self-reliance is becoming the new core of global investment strategy for the decade ahead.
And the markets, together with the shipping industry that drives the pulse of global commerce, are beginning to price that reality with renewed strength.
by Kotsiakis George
