Fresh sell-off in risk assets, marking potentially long-term trend: Post-US election comments

The US dollar remains well bid across the board as media outlets report the news that Donald Trump has officially won more than the 270 electoral college votes required for victory. While most of the damage was done during the early hours European time, as the initial results in the swing states pointed to a chastening night for the Democrats, we’ve seen a fresh sell-off in risk assets so far this afternoon.

Market participants are continuing to digest the implications of the election for US policy, the global economy and financial markets. Undoubtedly, we are seeing a clear consensus among investors that President Trump would herald higher Federal Reserve rates, weaker global growth and greater geopolitical uncertainty, all of which is bullish for the dollar.

Indeed, we would not be surprised if this marked merely the start of a more prolonged sell-off in risk assets, particularly should Trump double down on his pro-protectionist rhetoric between now and his inauguration at the end of January.