New Tariffs Crush the Stock Market:

The stock market was already beginning to crumble this year under the weight of inflation, economic uncertainty and the threat of global war. But since the latest tariffs went into effect on April 2, the stock market has been dealt yet another devastating blow — while gold continues to stand strong and see record stability.

On April 4, the S&P 500 fell 291 points (5.4%) by the afternoon, while the Dow Jones tumbled 2,150 points (5.3%) and the Nasdaq slid 5.8%. The free-fall carried over from the previous day, when the indexes recorded their biggest one-day drop since 2020, with $2.5 trillion in investor wealth being erased from the S&P 500. The Dow and S&P 500 each sank more than 4%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq plunged nearly 6%.

Despite these incredibly uncertain times, gold is up nearly 3% over the last month, while the S&P 500 is down over 13%. This stark contrast highlights gold’s resilience as a safe-haven asset when traditional markets falter. As investors scramble for stability, the surge in gold prices continues to underscore its long-standing reputation as a reliable store of value in times of crisis.

The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on the World

The latest tariff announcements include steep levies on key imports, particularly from China, the European Union and Mexico. In response to Trump imposing 34% tariffs on Chinese goods — which were already subject to a 20% levy — China hit back on April 4 with a 34% tariff on all U.S. products starting on April 10.

This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada will match Trump’s 25% auto tariffs with a tariff on vehicles imported from the United States.

“We take these measures reluctantly — and we take them in ways that is intended and will cause maximum impact in the United States and minimum impact in Canada,” Carney said.

One of the most concerning aspects of these tariffs is their inflationary impact. Higher import costs will translate to rising prices for goods, squeezing American households already burdened by inflationary pressures. Companies facing higher production costs may either pass expenses onto consumers or cut jobs to maintain profit margins — both scenarios spell trouble for economic stability.

Gold’s Surge Amid Market Chaos

Historically, gold has served as a hedge against economic uncertainty. In today’s uncertain and scary times, that has been rang more true. While equities crumble under the weight of trade tensions, gold has surged by more than 12% since the start of the year, while the S&P 500 has plummeted by over 15%.

Gold’s appeal lies in its independence from government policy and currency devaluation. Unlike fiat money, which can be manipulated through monetary policy, gold maintains intrinsic value, making it a trusted store of wealth in times of crisis. With fears of a prolonged trade war and potential stagflation on the horizon, investors are ditching the uncertainty of stocks and moving their hard-earned capital into tangible assets.

Why Investors Are Turning to Gold

With global instability accelerating, more investors are seeking protection — not speculation. High-risk assets like stocks are increasingly vulnerable to sudden shocks, policy changes, and economic downturns.

While stock traders brace for more volatility, Deutsche Bank, one of the world’s leading financial services providers, is looking beyond the panic — and betting big on gold. The bank just raised its average price forecasts for gold to $3,139 for 2025 and $3,700 for 2026, signaling strong long-term confidence in the precious metal.

“We conclude that the bull case for gold remains strong despite this week’s correction and further upgrade our year-end forecast to $3,350/oz.,” the bank said in a statement on April 7.

This shift reflects a growing recognition: gold isn’t just a hedge, it’s a foundation for financial security. In times like these, where headlines shift hourly and markets react in real time, gold remains a steady and trusted asset.