The US economy has passed yet another historic threshold: the public debt, which exceeds $36 trillion, has reached a size that could shake not only Washington's budget balances, but also the global financial system. While the debt/GDP ratio stands at 130%, the interest burden expected to be paid in 2025 alone exceeds $1.2 trillion.
Each scenario depends on a specific trigger. If that trigger happens, both the U.S. economy and global markets could be deeply affected.
If the Fed continues to keep interest rates high...
→ The interest burden on the public debt grows rapidly. The U.S. Treasury has a hard time translating existing debt.
→ Demand for Treasury bonds weakens, yields rise, borrowing costs rise further.
→ High interest rates also suppress private sector investment.
→ Consumer loans and mortgage rates increase, domestic consumption slows down.
→ Conclusion: The US economy enters a recession.
If the Fed cuts interest rates early...
→ There is a risk of a resurgence of inflation.
→ Real interest rate remains negative, dollar weakens.
Global investors exit the dollar.
→ Conclusion: Stagflation (stagnation + high inflation) environment can occur.
If investors lose confidence in the United States...
→ Countries such as China, Russia, Saudi Arabia withdraw their reserves from the dollar.
→ Gold, Euro, Chinese Yuan and digital assets gain strength as reserve currency alternatives.
→ The ability of the United States to borrow weakens by printing dollars.
→ Conclusion: The dollar depreciates, import costs rise, domestic inflation rises.
If the debt level continues to rise at this rate...
→ Credit rating agencies (Moody's, Fitch, S&P) further lower the rating of the USA.
→ In the markets “Will the US default?” The question begins to be talked about.
→ Institutional investors (pension funds, insurance companies) restructure their portfolios.
→ Conclusion: Wave of selling in the bond market, high volatility in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.
If the debt crisis shakes investor confidence...
→ Demand for value-storing tools such as gold and silver is increasing.
→ Bitcoin and stablecoin-based financial instruments stand out as alternatives.
→ Physical assets (land, real estate, precious metals) find a place in portfolios again.
→ Conclusion: Transition from the traditional financial system to digital and physical safe havens.
If the budget deficit becomes unsustainable...
→ Income taxes, corporate tax and capital gains taxes could be increased.
→ Cuts in programs such as health, education, social security are on the agenda.
→ Revenues of publicly owned companies are reduced.
→ Strategic projects such as infrastructure and energy can be postponed.
→ Conclusion: The profit margins of public companies fall, the risk of unemployment increases.
🎯 In the Short Term (2025—2026)
🔮 Medium and Long Term
The debt of the United States has ceased to be an internal affair of the United States. While more than 80% of world trade is done on a dollar basis, US bonds are the cornerstone of many countries' reserves and pension funds. As such, U.S. debt sustainability directly impacts not just the American people; it directly impacts investors, central banks, and consumers.
These developments can affect your investment strategy. Review your risks, diversify your portfolio and reassess assets such as foreign exchange, gold, stocks.
Disclaimer: This content is not investment advice. It is recommended that you seek professional advice before making your financial decisions.
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