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'The stakes have never been higher': UK business owners weigh in on who they want to win the US election

ended 05. November 2024

Newspage asked UK business owners who they want to see win the US election. They expressed a strong preference for Kamala Harris as the next US president. One business owner warned that a Trump victory would lead to "more division and chaos" globally. Another emphasised the need for stability after recent crises, stating, "we really need stability," and highlighting Harris's focus on equality.

A third criticised Trump's isolationist trade policies, asserting that Harris's vision aligns with the interconnected global economy. Meanwhile, another raised concern about Trump's deregulation, noting that Harris’s policies, while ambitious, offer more predictability essential for investor confidence.

This consensus among UK business leaders reflects a desire for leadership that prioritises stability and inclusivity as the US election results approach, underscoring the global implications of the outcome. 

You can read the experts' views below. 

6 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Gabriel McKeown
Head of Macroeconomics at Sad Rabbit - Substack Newsletter
As the election looms, global markets are poised on a knife-edge, with the two candidates presenting a stark contrast for the world economy. As investors craft their 'Presidential Portfolios,' a divided government might be the outcome, although whether this will lead to a united market or unprecedented volatility is yet to be seen. Conventional wisdom suggests that markets would favour a Trump presidency due to his pro-business stance, however, despite Trump's emphasis on tax cuts and deregulation being viewed favourably, his unpredictable and protectionist tendencies have previously caused uncertainty. Alternatively, Harris, despite her progressive rhetoric, represents continuity and predictability, which the market typically values, yet concerns about increased corporate taxation and regulation might temper enthusiasm. The next president won't just be shaping domestic policy they'll be moulding the economic destiny of nations across the globe, so the stakes have never been higher.
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Jenny Blyth
Small business owner at Storm in a Teacup Gifts
If Kamala Harris doesn’t win this election we can sit back and watch the world burn. If a man like Trump thinks he can run the US with a campaign based on lies, and hate then what can we in the UK expect but more of the same? The outcome of this election will be profound and will resonate around the world. The thought of a man who will ‘protect women whether they like it or not’ and his running mate who takes sofa surfing to a whole new level being in charge of the nuclear codes fills me with dread. This simply must not happen. The world is watching.
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Matthew Jones
Precious Metals Analyst at Solomon Global at Solomon Global
Donald Trump remains a polarizing figure, and his economic and regulatory policies are a potential cause for concern. His penchant for deregulation could lead to sector-specific disruptions, impacting investor sentiment and, consequently, gold prices. Additionally, policy ambiguity under his administration, compounded by inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions, could amplify gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset, driving demand upward.

Kamala Harris, meanwhile, has outlined a vision marked by robust government expenditure on social programs, infrastructure, and climate initiatives. These policies may exacerbate budget deficits, potentially weakening the dollar and stoking inflation fears. Investors could increasingly turn to gold as a hedge against inflation and a depreciating currency, pushing prices higher. Regulatory uncertainty and potential market instability under her administration would further support gold’s allure.
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Richard O'Connor
Technical Director at First Mats
In recent times, we've all suffered from the effects of COVID, the war in Ukraine, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, so what we really need now is stability. That's why I hope Kamala Harris will win this election. Mr. Trump is a divisive figure in a world where populism is taking hold and driving people apart. His policies on immigration, abortion, and foreign policy will only lead to more division between communities, whereas Harris is more focused on equality and genuinely making people's lives better.
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Leonor Calaça
Owner at Eleanor Shadow
I am Team Kamala all the way. How can anyone support Trump? This isn't a question of Left vs Right, this is a question of having someone competent enough to rule one of the most powerful nations in the world. I'll support the coherent human who has actual ideas on how to run her country than a rambling orange individual with 6 bankrupcies and several felony charges (and convictions), thanks. I'd really like to not see the world burn in fossil fuel and set back 100 years in time for women's rights.

Is anyone else feeling nostalgic for the "good old days" when the most foolishness we could expect from a world leader was to ask, "is our children learning?" (Thank you, President Bush Jr for that one.)
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Lucinda O'Reilly
Director at The International Trade Consultancy
I spend my time supporting international trade so Trump's threat to impose 20% import duty on everything is a concern.
On the other hand, if he loses he might try to build more golf courses over here which nobody wants!
Sorry to be flippant but it's none of our business who the American people choose as their President - we'll just have to make the best of it.