Trump's tariffs trigger stock market chaos—was Nostradamus warning us all along?

In a world gripped by financial anxiety and geopolitical tension, some believe the answers were hidden centuries ago—within the cryptic writings of Nostradamus.

Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, was a 16th-century French astrologer and apothecary whose mysterious quatrains have long fascinated believers and skeptics alike. Though often vague and metaphorical, his prophecies have been credited with predicting major historical events—from the rise of Hitler to the 9/11 attacks. Now, many are looking to his writings once again, as global markets reel under pressure.

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A modern collapse foretold?

Several interpretations of Nostradamus's verses suggest that he may have foreseen a period of economic calamity striking in 2025. One often-cited phrase—“coin leather”—has fueled speculation. While on the surface, the words seem nonsensical, some interpret this as symbolic of currency devaluation, economic instability, or a fundamental shift in the financial order.

According to enthusiasts, the imagery suggests a time when money loses its value, possibly replaced by alternate systems or bartering. This has been linked to predictions of mass unemployment, bankruptcies, and growing social unrest—signs already appearing in today’s headlines.

Trump’s tariffs and global shockwaves

Adding fuel to the fire, US President Donald Trump recently announced sweeping tariffs: a flat 10% on all imports, alongside a steep 54% tariff on Chinese goods and a 25% levy on foreign automobiles. The fallout was immediate. Global stock markets tumbled, triggering panic among investors, economists, and trading partners alike.

Major economies responded with retaliatory trade measures, heightening fears of a prolonged global trade war. Inflation jitters, falling exports, and investor uncertainty are rapidly becoming the new normal—echoing the very chaos some say Nostradamus warned about centuries ago.

Natural disasters, space, and more: Other predictions in play?

Nostradamus’s 2025 predictions weren’t limited to financial doom. He also wrote of “earth shaking” and “rivers overflowing,” verses now being linked to the spate of natural disasters this year—from wildfires in California to floods in Southeast Asia.

Interestingly, he also alluded to “lights in the sky” and “new worlds discovered,” which many interpret as breakthroughs in space exploration. With fresh announcements about habitable exoplanets and renewed interest in Mars colonization, this prediction too seems eerily aligned with real-world developments.

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War, power shifts, and medical marvels

The quatrains also reference “cruel wars” and “clashes of great powers,” stirring thoughts of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and rising tensions in Asia and the Middle East. At the same time, Nostradamus hinted at a shifting global order—perhaps alluding to emerging powers challenging traditional superpowers.

On a more hopeful note, his writings also gesture toward “great cures” and “biological marvels,” leading many to believe that the year may bring landmark medical and biotech breakthroughs.

Reading between the lines

Nostradamus's verses are notoriously ambiguous. Critics argue that his quatrains are too vague to be called predictions and are often retrofitted to match events. But for those who follow his work, the parallels with 2025's events—especially the stock market turmoil triggered by global trade upheaval—are hard to ignore.

Whether prophecy or coincidence, Nostradamus's words continue to spark debate and reflection. As the world navigates uncertainty, it seems even centuries-old predictions can offer eerie echoes of the present.

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