Trump’s inauguration: What lies ahead?

Capping a decisively sweeping victory on 5 November 2024 in what many called a ‘historic comeback’, Republican Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47^th president of the United States (US) on Monday at 5:00 pm GMT (midday EST). This marks his second run for the highest office.

The ceremony is set to take place at the Capitol building. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is expected to oversee Trump's oath of office, followed by an inaugural address that the incoming President himself has said will be a message about ‘unity’ – very different from his 2017 speech that portrayed the country as ‘American carnage’.  

Outgoing president Democrat Joe Biden has said he will attend the ceremony, a courtesy not extended by Trump for the former’s inauguration four years ago. Additionally, and in a break from tradition, world leaders have been invited to the ceremony for the first time, including China's President Xi Jinping. Although he will not be attending, Vice President Han Zheng will do so in his place.

In addition to world leaders, several influential figures are expected to attend. Elon Musk confirmed his attendance – who, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, was recently nominated to head up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). We can also expect Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, to be present.

What can we expect from Trump?

Trump has assured the world of a hard-hitting approach towards illegal immigration, which is anticipated to include plans for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants. He stated he ‘will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out’. Trade tariffs are another key policy that the global economy can expect, as he is anticipated to increase the protectionist policies his administration introduced in the first term.

About a year ago, Trump noted that ‘except for day 1’, he would not be a ‘Dictator’; this, as you would expect, sparked outrage from critics. However, if we know anything about Trump, he has a long – some would say ‘colourful’ – history of making incendiary statements that trigger both support and anger as well as generate a torrent of headlines.

Undoubtedly, the first 24 to 48 hours of the Trump administration will be eventful and likely elevate volatility across key asset classes, such as Currencies, Bonds, Stocks, and Commodities. The new government is expected to sign over 100 executive orders on day one. Although not usually as many orders, this is a regular practice for incoming Presidents as part of the transition process.

I expect Trump to make a statement on his first day in office that may make ‘a few heads spin’. We will likely observe executive orders directed at a crackdown on the US-Mexico border, along with orders focussing on issues such as energy, trade, and actions affecting Federal workers. Additionally, he is expected to roll back any executive orders initiated by the Biden administration that have not yet been finalised.

Markets ahead of Trump’s inauguration

I do not expect to see much price action ahead of Trump’s big day; however, technically speaking, US dollar (USD) bulls remain in control.

According to the US Dollar Index, the USD is on track to finish the week moderately lower, snapping a six-week winning streak. The Team and I have been banging the drum about monthly resistance on the US Dollar Index at 109.33 for a while now. This level entered the fray following a three-month rally just north of the 50-month simple moving average (SMA), currently trading at 101.12. With the Relative Strength Index progressing above the 50.00 centreline (positive momentum), this could eventually nudge the USD beyond current resistance towards the 2022 high of 114.78.

As seen from the daily chart of the US Dollar Index, the 200- and 50-day SMAs (at 104.68 and 107.32, respectively) are pointing to the upside; you will also note that price action is comfortable north of both dynamic values and that a Golden Cross (50-day SMA crossing above the 200-day SMA) developed in late 2024 – all of which are considered bullish indications. Current price action is shaking hands with resistance at 109.29 (Quasimodo resistance), and sellers have displayed limited enthusiasm as of writing. Absorbing willing offers here pave the way towards another layer of neighbouring resistance at 110.78 (another Quasimodo resistance), followed by the 2022 pinnacle at 114.78, as mentioned above.