Let’s face it—2025 has been a rollercoaster for anyone paying attention to their portfolio. From sudden tariff hikes and policy reversals to spiking mortgage rates and layoffs, it’s no wonder investors are feeling dizzy. But beneath the chaos lies an important question: What’s it all worth? And more importantly—how do we protect and grow our wealth through it?

This article connects the dots between two major economic forces hitting investors hard right now—tariffs and rising interest rates—and shows how to navigate the storm with smarter, long-term investing.

Tariffs: Temporary Pause or Long-Term Problem?

Earlier this year, President Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause for 75 countries. The market cheered—the S&P 500 jumped 9.5%, and the NASDAQ rallied over 12%. But don’t let the confetti fool you. This pause came just after a dramatic back-and-forth that saw tariffs on Chinese goods soar from 104% to 125%, prompting fierce retaliation from Beijing.

Tariffs are more than just political headlines—they’re a tax on businesses importing goods. That means higher prices, thinner margins, and inflationary pressure. The Federal Reserve has warned that these cost increases could contribute to “transitory inflation,” a polite way of saying we’re not out of the woods yet.

Stock Market Mood Swings

Tariff drama isn’t the only thing rattling Wall Street. Interest rates have soared, layoffs are surging (up over 200% from last year), and businesses are hitting pause on investment decisions. The market is reacting less to the tariffs themselves and more to the uncertainty they represent. And when Wall Street gets nervous, it sells first and asks questions later.

Gold prices have hit record highs, signaling that investors are looking for a safe haven. Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year, have jumped, marking the worst week for bonds since 1981. That’s not just a Wall Street problem—it’s driving up the cost of borrowing across the board, from mortgages and car loans to credit card debt.

Government Cuts and the Ripple Effect

At the same time, the government is trying to tighten its belt. Spending cuts and job reductions in federal agencies may help the deficit, but they’re contributing to layoffs and reduced consumer spending. And here’s the kicker: while cutting waste is great on paper, it also means fewer contracts for businesses and fewer jobs for American workers.

Long term, the government’s strategy to cut spending while also pursuing tax cuts could shrink revenues and create more pressure on social programs, infrastructure, and—you guessed it—our wallets.

So… What Should Investors Do?

The short answer? Don’t panic. The long answer? Stick to a plan.

The reality is, recessions and bear markets are part of the economic cycle. We’ve seen 16 recessions and 25 bear markets in the last 100 years. What matters most is how you respond.

Smart investors are leaning into strategies like “Always Be Buying” (ABB)—consistently investing in broad market ETFs like SPY or VU regardless of day-to-day news. Those who stayed the course during 2008 or 2020 were rewarded. It’s not about timing the market; it’s about time in the market.

For active investors, now’s the time to research high-growth sectors like AI, green energy, and data infrastructure—areas likely to thrive even in turbulent conditions.

Gold: Not Just for Conspiracy Theorists

Gold is having a moment, and it’s not just about doomsday prepping. As inflation fears rise and faith in the dollar wavers, many investors are using gold as a hedge. While it’s not a growth investment like stocks, it adds protection to diversified portfolios—and its historical reliability makes it appealing in uncertain times.

Investing Through the Noise

Building wealth isn’t about reacting to every headline. It’s about consistency, strategy, and emotional discipline. Avoid the trap of political noise and media panic. Instead, focus on financial education, deliberate saving, and long-term investing.

Even in a shaky economy, sticking to your principles—whether it’s ABB, dollar-cost averaging, or hedging with assets like gold—can set you up for financial freedom. And maybe even help you sleep at night.

Final Thought: What’s It All Worth?

If you’re wondering what all this policy noise and economic instability actually means for your portfolio, the answer is surprisingly simple: Stay steady. The market may be stormy, but wealth isn’t built in calm waters—it’s built by those who keep rowing when the winds pick up.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post What Are Tariffs Really Costing Us? A Deep Dive Into Market Volatility and Wealth Building in Uncertain Time appeared first on ROI TV.

The stock market is experiencing its worst week since 2022, with the S&P 500 now in correction territory, meaning it has fallen 10% from its recent highs. This downturn is raising concerns about a possible recession and inflation impact, prompting investors to rethink their strategies.

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant reassured investors, emphasizing a long-term focus on the real economy, job growth, and stable asset gains. But should investors be worried? Let’s break down the key factors influencing the market right now.

Are We Headed for a Recession?

Recession fears are growing, but there’s no official declaration—yet.

A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. While the U.S. technically met this definition in 2022, the government did not declare an official recession due to revised criteria.

Currently, there’s no confirmed recession because the economy has not seen a full six-month slowdown. However, continued market declines, slowing job growth, and investor anxiety could increase the likelihood of an official recession in the coming months.

Investment Strategies During Market Uncertainty

1. Stocks Are a Long-Term Play

Scott Besant advised that stocks remain a safe investment over the long term, even if short-term conditions seem shaky. Market cycles include ups and downs, but those who invest consistently tend to see gains over time.

2. Shift to Safer Investments

As market uncertainty rises, investors are moving money into safer investments such as Treasury bonds and gold. This is causing:

• Falling Treasury yields, signaling a shift toward bonds.
• An inverted yield curve, which historically indicates concerns about economic stability.
• Gold prices rising, reflecting investor demand for safer assets.

3. Market Corrections Can Be Buying Opportunities

Market corrections aren’t always bad—they create buying opportunities for long-term investors. Many seasoned investors increase their investments during downturns, buying stocks at lower prices to benefit from future rebounds.

One approach? Consistent investing regardless of market conditions. The speaker in this discussion personally invests every Wednesday and increases contributions when the market is down to maximize returns over time.

Tax Proposals That Could Affect Your Money

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that President Trump’s proposed tax policies aim to eliminate federal income tax for individuals earning under $150,000 per year.

While this proposal is still in discussion, changes in tax laws could impact take-home pay, investments, and economic activity. Additionally, potential tariff adjustments may influence business costs and consumer prices.

Inflation Is Cooling—But What Does That Mean?

Inflation is slowing faster than expected, but that doesn’t mean prices are falling—it simply means prices are rising at a slower rate.

• The Federal Reserve aims to bring inflation down to 2%, benefiting long-term business growth.
• However, real inflation numbers differ from official reports—for example, grocery prices are still 23% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Despite slowing inflation, the cost of living remains a major concern for everyday consumers.

Final Thoughts: How Should You Invest Now?

Market volatility can be overwhelming, but the key is to stay calm and focus on long-term strategies. Here are the main takeaways:

Stick to a long-term investment plan. Market corrections happen, but history shows they often lead to rebounds.
Avoid making emotional investment decisions. Reacting to short-term news cycles can hurt your portfolio in the long run.
Diversify your investments. Consider a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets to hedge against risks.
Monitor economic policies and tax changes. Potential shifts in taxation and tariffs could influence financial planning.

Navigating financial markets requires patience and a disciplined approach to investing. By focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term fear, you can set yourself up for financial success—no matter what the markets do.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post Investors Are Preparing For A Recession  appeared first on ROI TV.

Mortgage Rates and the Housing Market

Mortgage rates are primarily influenced by the federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve, which dictates the cost for banks to borrow money. As of early 2025, mortgage rates are approximately 7%, reflecting the current economic conditions and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. A reduction in mortgage rates to 3% would significantly decrease monthly payments, enhancing housing affordability and potentially increasing the purchasing power of homebuyers.

Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Funds Rate

The Federal Reserve operates independently of the federal government, focusing on controlling inflation and fostering economic stability. While the President can express preferences regarding interest rates, the Federal Reserve’s decisions are based on economic indicators. Recent statements from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicate a cautious approach to rate adjustments, emphasizing the need to manage inflation effectively.

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Treasury Yields and Their Impact

Treasury yields, determined by market factors, inflation expectations, and economic growth projections, play a significant role in influencing mortgage rates. Higher Treasury yields often lead to increased mortgage rates as lenders seek higher returns. Efforts to stabilize inflation and promote steady economic growth could help lower Treasury yields, providing banks with the flexibility to offer more competitive mortgage rates.

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Potential Actions by President Trump

While the President cannot directly alter the federal funds rate, there are several avenues through which the administration might influence mortgage rates:

• Influencing the Federal Reserve: The President can exert pressure on the Federal Reserve or consider changes in its leadership to align with desired economic policies. apnews.com
• Economic Policies: Implementing policies aimed at stabilizing inflation and fostering economic growth can indirectly impact Treasury yields and mortgage rates.
• Housing Market Interventions: Proposals such as government-subsidized mortgages or expanding existing programs could be explored to make home financing more accessible.

Housing Market Dynamics

Lower mortgage rates typically increase demand for housing, as more buyers can afford loans. This heightened demand can drive up housing prices. Conversely, lower rates might encourage current homeowners with low-rate mortgages to sell, increasing housing supply. The overall impact on the housing market will depend on various factors, including supply constraints, construction costs, and broader economic conditions.

investopedia.com

Conclusion

While President Trump’s administration has set ambitious targets for reducing mortgage rates, achieving these goals involves navigating complex economic factors and the independent actions of the Federal Reserve. Stakeholders in the housing market should monitor policy developments and economic indicators closely to make informed decisions in the evolving landscape leading up to 2025-2026.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence

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