The “Sell America Trade”: Why Global Investors Are Dumping U.S. Assets

Ben Graham · January 20

The “Sell America Trade”

Trading Strategy

What Is the “Sell America Trade”?

The “Sell America Trade” is not a traditional trading strategy. Instead, it represents a herd-like global investor reaction to political, fiscal, or economic developments that undermine confidence in the U.S. economy.

When this trade emerges, global capital reduces exposure to U.S. assets and reallocates toward non-U.S. markets, commodities, and precious metals.

How the Sell America Trade Shows Up in Markets

Capital outflows from the U.S. typically appear across multiple asset classes at the same time:

U.S. stocks weaken
U.S. dollar declines
U.S. Treasuries sell off, pushing yields higher
Capital rotates into foreign equities, commodities, and precious metals

This combination is notable because it differs from a normal “risk-off” environment, where U.S. bonds and the dollar usually benefit.

What Can Trigger the Sell America Trade?

Several structural and policy-driven risks can push global investors to reduce U.S. exposure:

Rising budget deficits or recurring debt ceiling crises
Protectionism and tariffs used as a policy weapon
Threats to Federal Reserve independence
Sovereign credit ratings downgrades
Inflation returning while growth slows (stagflation risk)
Foreign retaliation against U.S. trade policy

When one or more of these risks intensify, capital begins searching for safer or more stable alternatives outside the United States.

Who Ultimately Pays the Cost of U.S. Tariffs?

Why the Current Sell America Trade Is Different

This episode does not resemble a normal risk-off cycle. Typically, market stress sends investors into U.S. Treasuries and the U.S. dollar. This time, both are being sold.

The current dynamic appears self-induced, driven by:

President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland
The use of tariffs as a negotiating weapon
- 10% tariffs beginning February 1
- Rising to 25% by June 1 if negotiations fail
European Union threats of retaliation

The initial reaction, as in any crisis, is to price in the worst case basis and reassess as events unfold. Markets are increasingly pricing in the risk of escalation toward a broader trade war.

Markets Are Sending a Clear Warning Signal

While financial media headlines tend to focus on falling equity markets and a weaker dollar, the sell-off in U.S. Treasuries is arguably the most important signal.

A sharp rise in yields during market stress is historically a warning sign that investor confidence in U.S. policy stability is eroding. This should be particularly concerning for policymakers.

Can the Situation De-Escalate?

Logic suggests that no one wins a trade war, and that cooler heads should prevail to avoid further escalation. However, when dealing with an unpredictable U.S. president, outcomes become far less certain.

Pressure is likely building behind the scenes from advisors to reduce escalation risk, especially as financial markets show signs of fragility.

What Investors Should Watch Going Forward