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Investors have seen a lot of volatility in 2025 so far. This is because they are trying to tackle the economic impact of new tariffs from the Trump administration. The S&P 500 rose to start the year, but following the announcement of new tariffs on the so-called “liberation day,” it fell sharply and eventually entered the bear market.
Since then, the market has recovered much of its losses, with certain tariffs falling or delaying from the initial level. While some investors may be tired of whiplash, the good news is that there are several places to hide. Below are five non-duty-sensitive investments:
5 Tariff Resistant Investment
1. gold
Gold has long been a favorite of investors in times of uncertainty, so it’s no surprise to see performance happening recently. Gold has risen more than 25% so far this year, and has risen about 6% since tariffs were announced.
Gold fans should note that while gold has been working well recently, it also has a long history of growing. If you have gold in your portfolio, it is usually best to keep it at a relatively small percentage.
2. real estate
The property is another area that could provide shelter from the tariff storm. Real estate tends to affect local issues rather than just tariffs, but can increase the price of certain materials, leading to higher construction costs.
If you own a home, its value may not be much affected by the ongoing trade war. The recession will certainly have an impact, but real estate investment should be less directly affected than in other regions.
Below are some of the best real estate investment trusts (REITs) to consider in your portfolio.
3. International Stocks
International stocks are another region that may not be as affected by tariffs as US stocks. Companies operating primarily outside the US are not facing the same business disruption as US companies dealing with new and potential retaliatory tariffs.
International Stocks have already seen strong performance in 2025. The VanguardFTSEAll-World Ex-US ETF (VEU) has grown about 14% since mid-May, compared to an approximately 1% increase in the S&P 500.
Check out our list of some of the bank rates for the best international ETFs.
4. Bonds
Bonds may offer some protection during times of uncertainty, but are not immune to the effects of tariffs. Investors are often flooded with government bonds during periods of high volatility. As tariffs drive the economy into a recession, bonds can earn money as the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to support the economy.
However, tariffs have the added possibility that they could lead to higher inflation, which is bad for bond investors. Inflationary spikes could prevent the Fed from cutting interest rates and leave bond investors in tough places.
5. Individual stocks or industries
Not all US companies and industries are equally affected by tariffs. For example, automakers face greater impact than certain high-tech platforms. By examining how individual companies and tariffs affect you, you may be able to find stocks that offer tariff protection and growth potential.
Tech companies like Uber Technologies (Uber) and Netflix (NFLX) have grown by more than 45% and 30%, respectively, thanks to their strong results and relative insulation from tariffs. Traditional defense sectors such as consumer staples, healthcare and utilities could also be places to ride the tariff storm.
Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. Furthermore, investors recommend that past investment products performance is not a guarantee of future price increases.