“The golden rule of negotiating and success: He who has the gold makes the rules,” he wrote in a follow-up post, further signaling that the tariffs are part of a larger strategy to bring global rivals to the table.
And according to Trump, the strategy is working. He claimed that “many world leaders and business executives” are already coming to him, seeking relief from the trade penalties. But Trump insisted these leaders “must right the wrongs of decades of abuse” — and warned “it won’t be easy for them.”
Whether Trump will ultimately be successful or not, investors are preparing for a rough ride, with many fleeing U.S. stocks for more stable options. If you’re looking to protect yourself during the president’s big gambit, here are two key assets to consider.
A golden hedge for uncertain times
Markets have reacted nervously to Trump’s sweeping tariffs — and not in a good way. While stocks have stumbled under the weight of trade uncertainty, one asset has stood out as a bright spot: gold.
Long viewed as the ultimate safe haven, gold isn’t tied to any single country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in — driving up its value.
Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 40%.
That makes Trump’s claim “he who has the gold makes the rules” feel like more than just a negotiating mantra. It’s also a reminder of gold’s enduring appeal in times of crisis.
Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted gold’s purpose in a resilient portfolio.
“People don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” Dalio told CNBC. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”
For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.
Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold. It could be a compelling option for investors who want to shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainty.
Plus, when you make a qualifying purchase with Thor Metals, you can receive free precious metals — up to $20,000 worth — as a reward.
The asset that made Trump rich
If gold is the common go-to hedge for moments of chaos, real estate is the long game — and no one knows that better than Trump himself.
Before politics, Trump made his fortune in real estate — and the asset class remains a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth, especially during inflationary times. That’s because property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living.
As Trump told Steve Forbes back in 2011, “I just notice that when you have that right piece of property, whatever it might be, including location, it tends to work well in good times and in bad times.”
Today, you don’t need to buy a property outright to benefit from real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived, for instance, offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.
With Arrived, you can invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.
The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.
Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties.
With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.
Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.