The aftermath of the 2020 US presidential election has left the country divided like never before. With the election of Donald Trump seen as a break from the neoliberal globalist order that has defined the world for the past three decades, supporters of both parties are coming to terms with the new reality.
For Trump-supporting Republicans, this election marks a triumphant turning point in history. Billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel compared the Democratic Party to the French monarchy before the 1789 revolution, signaling a significant shift in power dynamics. On the other side, liberal supporters of the Democrat party are lamenting their defeat and withdrawing from public life, focusing instead on their immediate surroundings.
Despite promises of sweeping political and geopolitical change, the stock market has continued to soar to record highs. The S&P 500 has seen a 30% increase in the past year, 88% in the past five years, and a staggering 683% increase since 1996. However, concerns are rising about the market’s valuation, with the S&P being as richly valued as it was during the Dot Com bubble.
The market’s resilience in the face of Trump’s promises of tariffs and deportations is attributed to the belief that the tariffs will not be as severe as promised, and corporate tax cuts are likely with a Republican-controlled Congress. However, there are risks involved, as markets struggle to price in political disruption. The appointment of trade hawk Robert Lighthizer to Trump’s cabinet signals a potential trade war that could put globalisation into reverse.
The past 30 years of globalisation have created immense wealth, with US companies seeing a significant increase in profitability after China’s admission into the WTO in 2001. Companies with high intensity of intangible assets have particularly benefited from outsourcing production to cheap labor markets. The five largest companies in the world by market cap are all tech giants with a high intensity of intangible assets, highlighting the impact of globalisation on their success.
While millions of voters in the US have voted for change and expect a revolution, the stock market remains skeptical. Despite calls for a new era, the market is priced for continuity, raising questions about the credibility of the movement. As the country grapples with this new reality, only time will tell how the dynamics of power and wealth will shift in the coming years. The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and in recent years, it has gained popularity in Western culture as a way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The practice involves focusing on the present moment and being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This simple yet powerful technique has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness meditation is stress reduction. In today’s fast-paced world, many people are constantly on the go and under pressure to meet deadlines and juggle multiple responsibilities. This constant state of stress can have detrimental effects on both our physical and mental health. Mindfulness meditation allows us to slow down and take a break from the chaos of daily life, helping to calm the mind and relax the body. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the past or future, we can reduce our stress levels and improve our overall sense of well-being.
In addition to stress reduction, mindfulness meditation has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have found that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve cognitive function and concentration. By training our minds to be more present and aware, we can better manage negative thoughts and emotions, leading to a greater sense of peace and happiness.
Furthermore, mindfulness meditation has been linked to physical health benefits as well. Research has shown that the practice can help reduce inflammation in the body, improve immune function, and lower blood pressure. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, mindfulness meditation can have a positive impact on overall physical health and well-being.
One of the great things about mindfulness meditation is that it can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Whether you have just a few minutes to spare in your day or can dedicate a longer period of time to meditation, you can experience the benefits of this powerful practice. There are many different techniques and styles of mindfulness meditation to choose from, so you can find a method that works best for you.
In conclusion, mindfulness meditation is a simple yet effective practice that can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health. By taking the time to be present and aware of your thoughts and feelings, you can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. If you are looking for a natural and holistic way to improve your quality of life, consider incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine.