Davos 2025: CEOs, AI, Tariffs, and Trump’s Influence

Estimated read time 3 min read

What Happened

The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos is set to be one of the most eventful in years, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. The global elite, including top CEOs, policymakers, and economists, will gather to discuss pressing economic and technological trends, with many executives navigating the implications of Trump’s policies.

The conference unofficially kicks off on Trump’s Inauguration Day, with some CEOs arriving later after attending inaugural events. By mid-week, Trump is expected to have signed a series of executive orders that could impact global markets and corporate strategies.

Why It Matters

This year’s WEF will be particularly significant for investors and global business leaders as they assess:

  • The outlook for interest rates and economic growth.
  • The potential impact of new tariffs on supply chains and inflation.
  • The ongoing AI revolution and how companies are positioning themselves.
  • The reaction of global markets to Trump’s policies and economic agenda.

With economic uncertainty and market volatility on the rise, insights from Davos could shape investor sentiment in the coming months.

Key Themes to Watch

1. Big Bank CEOs on Interest Rates

Expectations around the Federal Reserve’s rate policy will be a major topic, with key financial leaders in attendance, including:

  • Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan Chase CEO)
  • Brian Moynihan (Bank of America CEO)
  • David Solomon (Goldman Sachs CEO)
  • Jane Fraser (Citi CEO)
  • Ted Pick (Morgan Stanley CEO)

These executives will likely discuss market stability, economic growth, and rate cuts ahead of the Fed’s upcoming policy meeting.

2. The Tariff Debate

Retail executives from companies like Polo Ralph Lauren (RL), Williams Sonoma (WSM), and Gap (GAP) will weigh in on how they are preparing for potential Trump-imposed tariffs. Their insights on supply chains and pricing strategies will be critical for investors assessing inflationary pressures in 2025.

3. The AI Race: Can Anyone Catch Nvidia?

Artificial intelligence remains a dominant theme, but this year’s conversations will focus on revenue potential. Companies like Microsoft (MSFT) and Alphabet (GOOGL) are developing their own AI chips, aiming to compete with Nvidia (NVDA).

Leaders from OpenAI and Anthropic will also be in attendance, providing key insights into the AI sector’s future. Investors will closely watch Nvidia’s stock performance throughout the week.

4. Stock Market Risks

Market experts, including JPMorgan’s Mary Erdoes and economist Nouriel Roubini, will analyze whether current stock valuations are sustainable. With the S&P 500 showing signs of a potential pullback, their perspectives could shape investor sentiment.

5. The Political Wild Cards

Trump’s influence on the forum will be closely watched. While he is expected to deliver a remote speech on Thursday, the question remains: Who from his administration will attend in person?

Potential delegates, such as Howard Lutnick (rumored Commerce Secretary candidate), could set the tone for U.S. international trade and economic relations. Their statements may spark market volatility, particularly if they defend controversial economic policies.

What’s Next

With Trump’s new policies set to reshape trade, economic, and business landscapes, this year’s WEF will have an outsized impact on global markets. Investors should stay tuned for key announcements and potential shifts in market sentiment.

For real-time coverage, follow Yahoo Finance’s “Streaming Now” section and watch our exclusive interviews with top executives and policymakers.

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