President Donald Trump’s second term has ushered in a wave of protectionist trade policies, including sweeping tariffs that have rattled global markets.
Since January 2025, the average US tariff rate has surged from 2.5 per cent to 27 per cent – the highest in over a century.
Tariffs on Chinese imports have reached 145 per cent, prompting retaliatory measures from China and escalating a full-blown trade war.
However, with the situation changing almost daily, the information within this article may already be outdated by the time you read it.
Despite this, the economic uncertainty created by the Trump administration will likely remain for a much longer period.
The case for staying in – and the case for dropping out
Surprisingly, despite the turbulent backdrop, the S&P 500 has shown resilience, buoyed by strong performances in sectors like technology and artificial intelligence.
However, analysts warn that the index may be overvalued, with some suggesting by as much as 30-to-40 per cent.
While some investors see opportunities in the current market, others are cautious, anticipating potential downturns due to ongoing trade tensions and economic uncertainties.
The advantage of diversification
As you can imagine, a balanced approach in the face of this much uncertainty seems to be the general trend.
Rather than making abrupt exits from US equities, investors are rebalancing their portfolios to manage risk.
Diversification across different markets and sectors is also helping mitigate potential losses.
However, alongside diversification, it is also essential to align your investment strategy with your long-term goals and risk tolerance – you should regularly review your portfolio and stay informed about global economic developments if you plan to invest in the S&P 500 or similar stocks.
Before making any changes, we strongly suggest that you consult with your financial adviser to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your objectives.
For detailed advice, please get in touch.
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