Financial analysts are predicting a challenging landscape for global financial markets in 2025, driven by persistent inflation, potential rate hikes, and an economic slowdown. According to various sources, including Stifel, stocks are expected to end the year lower as sticky inflation continues to impact economic conditions. The concept of Murphy's Law, which suggests that 'what can go wrong, will go wrong,' is being invoked to describe the potential pitfalls facing financial systems. Additionally, projections indicate that inflation could exceed 2% early in 2025, raising concerns among investors who have been overlooking recent stubborn inflation readings. The prospect of a second trade war is also being discussed as a contributing factor to the uncertain market outlook.