- Gold prices increased a tad, recovering some of its earlier gains, as concerns grew over the prospects of the US economy and its widening budget deficit.
- This followed Moody’s Ratings downgrade of the credit rating of the US government to Aa1 from Aaa, citing a persistent inability to rein in the budget deficit despite the virtues of the country’s economy.
- The downgrade has caused Asian shares, US stock futures, and the dollar to fall. While gold has been fluctuating of late, it remains comfortably in front this year, boosted by worldwide uncertainty.
- Elsewhere, Chinese fossil fuel output fell on a monthly basis in April, though year-on-year figures posted gains.
- Meanwhile, Xiaomi revealed a major long-term investment in chip design.
- The primary reason for market volatility at the start of the week is fear of US debt following the credit rating downgrade.

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Investors are facing a confluence of challenges as Moody’s recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and escalating tariff tensions raise concerns about the economic outlook.
- Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating: On May 16, 2025, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing concerns over the nation’s growing $36 trillion debt and persistent fiscal deficits. This move has intensified investor worries about the U.S. fiscal path and contributed to market volatility.
- Tariff Impacts on Corporate Earnings: The cumulative effect of tariffs is expected to be most severe in the third quarter, potentially leading to softer earnings reports. Analysts anticipate that the lag between tariff announcements and their impact on earnings could result in downward revisions of corporate profit forecasts.
- Investor Sentiment and Market Performance: The downgrade and tariff concerns have led to a sell-off in U.S. assets, including stocks and government bonds. The 10-year Treasury yield rose above the key 5% level, reflecting increased risk premiums demanded by investors.
- What’s Next?
The current economic landscape is marked by heightened uncertainty. The combination of a credit rating downgrade and the looming impact of tariffs on corporate earnings suggests that investors should exercise caution. Diversifying portfolios and staying informed about fiscal policy developments will be crucial in navigating the potential market turbulence ahead.