From February 5-9, 2025, the Rétromobile classic car show will launch Europe's exhibition season at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This year's event features a variety of attractions dedicated to Formula 1, the 70th anniversary of DS, French engineer Adolphe Kégresse, and the iconic Delahaye brand. The centerpiece is an exhibition celebrating the DS model, which has been pivotal in shaping automotive design and engineering over the past seven decades. Additionally, visitors can explore a comprehensive display on French Formula 1 history, admire rare vehicles like the 1939 Delahaye 135MS Roadster, and experience interactive zones for motorcycles and classic cars.
The 49th edition of Rétromobile places special emphasis on the Citroën DS, with a curated showcase titled "DS: 70 Years a Work of Art." This exhibit delves into the evolution of the DS from its debut at the 1955 Paris Motor Show to its role in establishing DS Automobiles as a luxury marque. The DS Balloon, a symbolic representation of the car’s innovative hydropneumatic suspension system, will be recreated through an educational program. Collaborations with artisans such as Mathieu Lustrerie further enhance the presentation, highlighting the DS’s timeless elegance.
Beyond the DS tribute, Pavilion 2 hosts a captivating 600-square-meter exhibit chronicling six decades of French Formula 1 achievements. Sixteen historic racing cars are displayed, each representing a significant moment in the sport’s history. Notable figures from the world of Formula 1 will share their experiences on a live stage, offering attendees unique insights into this prestigious racing series. Meanwhile, the Pont des Expositions pays homage to Adolphe Kégresse, whose half-track innovations revolutionized vehicle mobility, particularly during the Croisière Noire expedition of 1922.
For enthusiasts of classic motorcycles, the Motorcycle Zone returns to Pavilion 2, featuring over 2000 square meters of exhibits. A collection of 25 bikes from Éric de Seynes, a former racer turned executive, takes center stage. The return of London’s Ace Cafe provides a social hub for motorcycling aficionados. Furthermore, Rétromobile USA, a new international venture, is set to expand the event's global reach, with details to be announced soon.
In addition to the exhibitions, Rétromobile partners with auction houses like Artcurial to host sales of rare collector vehicles. Highlights include a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB longnose and a 1930 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix Usine. These auctions often yield some of the highest sales of the year, adding excitement to the week-long celebration of automotive history and innovation.
The 2025 Rétromobile promises an unforgettable journey through the annals of automotive excellence. With its diverse lineup of events, the show not only honors the past but also looks forward to the future of motoring. Visitors can expect a rich blend of heritage, technology, and culture that encapsulates the spirit of classic car fandom.
Prepare for Market Volatility as Currency Policies Face Scrutiny
Initial Market Responses and Strategic Concerns
The opening hours of Donald Trump’s presidency have already set off ripples in international financial markets. A document from the new administration, not yet publicly released, has called for federal agencies to address foreign-exchange manipulation by other countries. This directive has prompted widespread concern among traders and strategists about which nations might be targeted next.Richard Franulovich, head of foreign-exchange strategy at Westpac Banking Corp., described this development as groundbreaking. He emphasized that the new administration, led by Trump and Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, may apply more judgment and discretion in labeling trading partners as manipulators. This could lead to heightened volatility and uncertainty in the $7.5 trillion-a-day foreign-exchange market.Economic Implications and Market Dynamics
High US interest rates and robust economic growth have maintained the dollar’s dominance against currencies like the euro and yuan. The prospect of further gains in the greenback is likely to put other nations on high alert. Countries such as Japan, China, Germany, and Singapore, already on the US Treasury Department’s monitoring list, may feel compelled to intervene to support their currencies.Wei Liang Chang, a strategist with DBS Bank Ltd., pointed out that increased US scrutiny on currency policies could pressure countries to allow more appreciation of their currencies against the dollar. Any perceptions of weakening currencies in response to future US tariffs could reignite concerns over manipulation. This scenario underscores the delicate balance between trade relations and currency stability.Historical Context and Future Prospects
Washington’s recent fact sheet evokes memories of an earlier plan by Trump and his economic advisers aimed at curbing nations from shifting away from using the dollar. Measures discussed included export controls, currency manipulation charges, and levies. Christopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., noted that while the current fact sheet may seem novel, it likely builds on existing strategies with a stronger focus on identifying “manipulators.”If additional measures are added to the list, there could be significant volatility in the market. The implications for global trade and finance cannot be understated. As the world watches closely, the actions of the new administration will shape the future of international currency policies and market dynamics.Financial markets have experienced significant volatility since the beginning of the new administration, with currency traders anticipating further fluctuations. The U.S. dollar has seen a series of ups and downs, influenced by shifting tariff policies and economic forecasts. On Inauguration Day, the dollar initially dipped following a Wall Street Journal report that suggested tariffs would not be imposed immediately. However, it quickly recovered after President Trump hinted at potential 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, only to lose those gains shortly thereafter. This uncertainty has left traders bracing for more rapid currency swings in the coming months.
Meanwhile, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde highlighted the diverging economic landscapes between the U.S. and Europe. While the U.S. economy is experiencing robust growth, Europe faces the risk of underperforming relative to expectations. Lagarde emphasized that the ECB and the Federal Reserve may adopt different monetary policies due to these varying economic conditions. She also noted that inflation in the eurozone is now stable and unlikely to spike due to U.S. inflationary pressures. This divergence underscores the challenges policymakers face in coordinating global economic strategies.
The global elite gathered at Davos expressed cautious optimism about the new term of President Trump, acknowledging the need to adapt to his policy changes. Despite the uncertainties surrounding tariffs and trade wars, there is a sense of preparedness among international leaders. The crypto industry, which had hoped for legitimacy from the Trump administration, now finds itself grappling with the launch of meme coins by the president and first lady, adding another layer of unpredictability to financial markets. Amid this turbulence, infrastructure investments in regions like Indiana are showing promising growth, driven by federal funding initiatives. These developments highlight the resilience of local economies even in uncertain times.
In response to the current economic climate, various sectors are taking proactive measures. Pension funds are urging private equity firms to provide greater transparency regarding fees and returns, while the SEC is restructuring its approach to digital assets under the leadership of Hester Peirce. Additionally, major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are facing pressure from activist groups to reconsider their diversity and inclusion efforts. As central banks worldwide adjust their policies, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Malaysia’s central bank are making strategic decisions to support their respective economies. The SNB remains ready to deploy negative interest rates or intervene in foreign exchange markets if necessary, demonstrating flexibility in the face of global economic challenges.