In the weeks leading up to the 2024 presidential election, financial analysts speculated widely on the election’s financial ramifications. Now that we know Donald Trump is the president-elect, what does that mean for your finances? There are several potential impacts for investors and the stock market alike based on Trump’s proposed policies and priorities, which I elaborate on below. As always, I recommend consulting with your financial adviser for personalized advice. There is no substitute for a truly individualized financial plan.
A Recent Upswing
If you have been keeping up with the stock market, you have probably noticed that the upward trend over the past few months has continued after the election results were announced. Some stocks, such as Tesla (TSLA), have experienced exponential growth due to their close association with the Trump campaign.1 This trend is likely to continue in the short term, although investors should be prepared for market volatility across the board. As companies and investors react to policy shifts and changes in trade policy and tax strategies, expect some fluctuations in the market.
Future Tax Cuts
A major talking point of Trump’s campaign has been his tax policy. Historically, Trump has favored reducing taxes for corporations and high-income earners.2 If this same approach is taken in his new term, stock prices may rise because of potential corporate tax cuts and increased corporate earnings. This may be the prime opportunity to take advantage of portfolio adjustments in sectors that benefit from these tax cuts. For high-income earners, this may work out to be a double advantage; you may be able to capitalize on potential tax reductions for yourself, too.
Impacts Across Sectors
Fossil fuel industries have been favored by Trump in the past, and it is likely that he continues to favor oil, gas, and other traditional energy sectors in his second term.3 In this case, there is likely to be an upward swing in returns from these industries, particularly if Trump also reduces environmental regulations that have historically slowed the growth in these industries.4 Investors interested in growth-oriented industries may be well-suited to investing in this sector.
Tariffs, which were heavily implemented by Trump in his first term, will likely impact several sectors.5 These may include agricultural, vehicular, manufacturing, and technology industries. Depending on the range and reach of the implemented tariffs, domestic and international stocks may be affected. Investors in these industries may want to keep an eye on tariff announcements and international trade negotiations. Although we are certainly optimistic about decreasing inflation, tariffs could impact inflationary pressures. Investors with a significant percentage of fixed-income assets may want to consider diversification in the coming months if inflation becomes a concern.
Long-Term Strategies
Above all, I recommend staying focused on the long term. As I have been advocating for years, the stock market’s history is clear. There have been extreme downswings and buoyant upswings, but the market as a whole has consistently moved in an upward direction since its inception. I see no indication that it will suddenly fail to do so. While Trump’s policies may benefit certain sectors and harm others, keeping your portfolio broadly diversified will help you prepare for whatever the next few months bring. If you have any questions about your financial portfolio, contact our team today to learn more about individualizing your strategy. Call (469) 212-8072 or visit www.gdswealth.com to learn more.
1 CNBC, 2024; Business Insider, 2024; AP News, 2024
2 Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, 2024; Tax Foundation, 2024; Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, 2024
3 ChemAnalyst,2024; PBS, 2024; Reuters, 2024
4 New York Times,2020; Washington Post, 2020; New York Times, 2021; Los Angeles Times, 2024
5 New York Times, 2024; CNN, 2024; NPR, 2024;CNBC, 2024
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