<\/p>\n
President Donald Trump is embarking on what many are dubbing a \u201cGreat Reset\u201d of the U.S. economy, with tariffs as a key instrument aimed at revitalizing domestic manufacturing. The administration argues that this initiative is not only economically beneficial but also crucial for national security.<\/p>\n
While the long-term benefits of these policies may take years to materialize, investors are already witnessing some effects from this shift. There is an uptick in commodity demand as companies commit to expanding infrastructure within the United States. Additionally, trade disputes often lead to fluctuations in currency values, evidenced by the dollar experiencing its worst first half of the year since 1972.<\/p>\n
In addition to tariffs, Trump is advocating for lower taxes and reduced regulations to stimulate growth. This agenda is gaining momentum following the passage of Trump\u2019s One Big, Beautiful Bill. Growth could accelerate further if the Federal Reserve decides to cut interest rates later this year.<\/p>\n
This optimistic growth outlook has attracted many investors to technology stocks<\/a>, despite concerns over valuations. Alternatively, some investors are exploring sectors that offer a balanced portfolio of robust growth and stable income.<\/p>\n The recent surge in gold prices has not yet translated into gains for mining stocks, which have significantly underperformed the market in 2024. However, the outlook is improving as the Trump administration aims to ease mining regulations, potentially solidifying these changes into law and making them harder for future administrations to reverse.<\/p>\n Investors can capitalize on this growth through an ETF like the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: GDX)<\/a>, which has seen a remarkable increase of over 52% in 2025. Individual stocks also present intriguing opportunities, such as Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX)<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Freeport-McMoRan is known as a gold miner, its primary focus is on copper production, making it one of the largest copper producers globally. Copper is vital for various applications, from electrical wiring in data centers to renewable energy projects. As tariffs and incentives encourage more manufacturing and infrastructure projects to return to the U.S., demand for copper is expected to surge.<\/p>\n Freeport-McMoRan is appealing to investors due to its strong balance sheet, boasting a debt-to-equity ratio of just 0.30%<\/a>. The stock has risen approximately 15% in 2025, with analysts predicting an additional 15% upside. Several analysts have even raised their price targets ahead of the company\u2019s earnings report on July 22.<\/p>\n In a market where many investors are taking on more risk, defensive stocks like The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO)<\/a> may be overlooked. However, KO stock has increased by 10.9% in 2025, outperforming many consumer staples.<\/p>\n The strong demand for Coca-Cola\u2019s iconic beverages is a straightforward explanation for this performance. The company\u2019s pricing power has allowed it to balance earnings growth for shareholders while considering a constrained consumer base.<\/p>\n This situation also ties into the trade and tariff narrative. A weaker dollar benefits Coca-Cola, as the company generates substantial revenue from international markets. When foreign earnings are converted back into dollars, reported sales and profits can increase. Additionally, Coca-Cola benefits from localized supply chains for production and delivery<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although KO stock is trading at 27x earnings\u2014considered high compared to its recent history\u2014the company\u2019s dividend yield and consistent cash flow<\/strong> make it an attractive option for investors seeking income without sacrificing modest growth potential.<\/p>\n For investors focused on wealth preservation, companies like Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META)<\/a> may not be the best fit. Instead, there\u2019s value in more stable stocks like Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Verizon has averaged a total return of around 4.7% over the last decade, with VZ stock rising about 8% in the past year. Even during downturns, investors have not had to worry about the company\u2019s dividend.<\/p>\n The current dividend yield is 6.5%<\/strong>, placing it among the top 10% of its sector. The recent stock price increase is attributed to the company\u2019s declining capital expenditures on 5G and reduced debt, allowing a renewed focus on its reliable subscription model.<\/p>\n Before making your next trade, consider this.<\/p>\n MarketBeat monitors Wall Street’s top-rated analysts and the stocks they recommend daily.<\/p>\nFreeport-McMoRan: A Commodity Play for an Inflationary Environment<\/h2>\n
Coca-Cola: Defensive Growth with a Global Footprint<\/h2>\n
Verizon: Reliable Dividends in Uncertain Times<\/h2>\n