Trump in fresh 2024 presidential bid

NEW YORK. – Former President Donald Trump’s entry on Tuesday into the 2024 presidential race confirmed the world’s “worst kept secret” and created another variable for markets that some investors say remains a low priority for now.

Trump, who has mounted relentless attacks on the integrity of U.S. voting since his 2020 election defeat, announced his bid at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, seemingly with the aim of pre-empting potential Republican rivals.

His high-spirited televised announcement comes after a disappointing showing in last week’s midterm congressional elections that many Republicans blame on him and as the party closes in on a majority in the 435-seat House of Representatives.

“I don’t think the announcement means much as people thought it would - and with a weaker showing at the mid-terms it reduces the likelihood of nomination,” said Joshua Crabb, head of Asia-Pacific equities at investment manager Robeco.

“The impact is only down the track if he gets good traction with the nomination.” – Reuters