Mind (and Mine) The Gap!
As the Trump 2.0 Train Leaves the Station and Reshapes the Global Order, It's Time to Update Your Strategy.
Imagine stepping onto a train platform and seeing the iconic warning: “Mind the Gap.” It’s a simple yet crucial reminder to watch your step as you transition from the platform to the train. In the world of finance, economic shifts create similar “gaps”—unexpected changes that, if unaccounted for, can cause financial missteps. But just as an alert passenger can navigate the gap safely, an informed investor can turn these shifts into opportunities.
The Trump 2.0 Train is leaving the station, and as an American, you are aboard it, and although the flurry of changes is numerous, this short list of the top 10 that are well underway in the first 45 days are creating near-term uncertainty and volatility in today’s economic landscape. Understanding these gaps and knowing how to “Mine the Gap”—leveraging them to strengthen and preserve wealth—is essential. Whether it’s government deregulation, trade policy changes, inflation, or market volatility, investors must stay vigilant and agile and find the signal through the noise of politicized media FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt).
In the first 45 days of President Trump's second term, here are what I believe are the top 10 biggest changes he has made to the global order and economic policy:
America First Trade Policy: On his first day in office, Trump issued a new trade policy, likely focusing on protectionist measures and renegotiating trade agreements1.
Tariffs on Imports: Trump has proposed implementing tariffs of 10% to 60% on imports, particularly from China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico. Reciprocal tariffs are also slated to begin globally on April 2, 2025.
Foreign Aid Freeze: D.O.G.E uncovered substantial waste and abuse in its first 30 days and a 90-day freeze on foreign aid payments was imposed to help fund USAID operations around the world.
Bitcoin, Digital Assets, and Blockchain: Trump signed an executive order on March 6th, 2025, establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and supporting the responsible growth of digital assets and blockchain technology. The order also established a President's Working Group on Digital Assets Markets.
Energy Policy: Trump has pledged to enhance oil drilling and fracking to reduce energy costs, potentially reversing environmental protections established by the previous administration.
Immigration Enforcement: Trump deployed the military to the southern border on his first day in office, reportedly reducing illegal migration by more than 90% in six weeks.
Federal Workforce Reduction: Under the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, about 77,000 federal workers have agreed to a deferred resignation program. Early impacts have seen residential real estate values in the D.C. metro area drop 20% since January 20th, 2025.
AI Infrastructure Investment: Trump announced a US$500 billion joint venture for AI-related infrastructure with Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, and just last week, the largest chipmaker in the world, TSMC, announced a $100B investment (to circumvent the Tariff policy and set a foreign-direct investment record) to bring the supply chain and related jobs inside the interior.
Revocation of Previous Policies: Trump revoked 78 Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda from previous administrations, including Biden's Executive Order on AI. A full list of Trump’s flurry of EO’s is here.
Cryptocurrency Regulation: Trump has delivered as promised on his support for the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency industry. He installed an administration that truly understands the space, led by David Sacks as the Crypto & AI Czar. This is a 180-degree turn from the previous administration, and under its new leadership, the SEC has dropped almost all active cases in recent weeks against Ripple, Consensus, KrakenFX, Coinbase, etc.
These changes demonstrate a significant shift in both domestic and international policies, with a focus on protectionist economic measures, deregulation, and a reduction in federal government size and scope. The intense focus on reigning in wasteful spending, fraud, and alternative sources of revenue (tariffs, etc), and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) to achieve the first balanced budget in 22 years is a “gap” (albeit in my humble opinion necessary), that is to be minded and mined in the coming 12 months. Don’t get caught up in the volatility as a “bug” in the system, since it is most likely a “feature” to generate alpha in your portfolio.
This post explores how recent economic changes, particularly those stemming from the Trump administration’s policies, affect global trade, investment strategies, and financial security. We’ll also delve into the concept of “buying the dip”—a strategy that turns downturns into wealth-building opportunities—and conclude with practical steps you can take with your registered investment advisors and estate planners to protect and grow your financial future.
Understanding the Current Economic Landscape
1. Domestic Policy Shifts: The Deregulation Push
A major theme of Trump’s second term has been economic deregulation—reducing government oversight to stimulate business growth. One key proposal was the creation of D.O.G.E (Department of Government Efficiency), spearheaded by Elon Musk, to streamline bureaucracy and eliminate regulatory hurdles. If the increasing number of death threats received by Musk is any indication of how disruptive this overdue movement to reduce waste is within our bureaucratic state status quo, then you know we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg.
Key Implications for Investors:
As restrictions are lifted, industries like energy, manufacturing, and finance may experience growth.
Potential Risks: Reduced oversight can sometimes lead to increased corporate risk-taking, which might cause long-term instability.
2. Global Trade & Tariff Policies: The Reshuffling of Trade Relations
The administration has doubled down on protectionist trade policies, imposing:
25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
10%-20% tariffs on Chinese goods, particularly steel, aluminum, and technology products.
Potential future reciprocal tariffs on European goods, which could escalate trade tensions.
Key Implications for Investors:
Companies reliant on global supply chains (e.g., tech and automotive) could see rising costs, but at the same time, it has already generated longer-term impacts, with Honda deciding to move production of its next-generation Civic Hybrid from Mexico to its existing Indiana plant due to the 25% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on goods from Mexico and Canada.
Some industries, like domestic manufacturing and energy, might benefit from protectionist policies.
Inflationary pressures may arise due to higher import costs, which may impact consumer spending and corporate profits. The time horizon for these pressures is unclear.
These trade measures introduce uncertainty and reshape alliances, which often translate into market volatility. However, smart investors recognize that volatility isn’t just a risk—it’s also an opportunity.
Mind the Gap: Identifying Risks and Adjusting Strategies
1. Market Volatility and Economic Uncertainty
Just as an unsteady platform can cause a stumble, economic shifts can shake up the stock market. Here’s how:
Stock prices can fluctuate wildly based on news about tariffs, deregulation, and inflation.
Bond markets may react to interest rate changes, affecting government and corporate debt yields. Although the Federal Reserve sets monetary policy and base interest rates, the executive branch’s economic policy is a way to force free-market demand to drive rates down organically. This battle between Trump and the Fed is playing out in real time and the 10-year UST is the benchmark for key metrics like the mortgage rate. Trump’s deep understanding and bias (from his real estate career) of the importance of the 10Y UST is focused on getting this rate down along with Energy costs as a major stimulus to development and job creation in that sector as an engine of productive growth moving forward.
Certain sectors, like technology and consumer goods, could struggle if supply chain costs increase in the short run, as it will take a couple of years to fully realize the impacts of FDI investments like TSMC in Arizona. As the global money supply contracts (M2) and liquidity tightens, the risk-on investments like these and crypto will take a hit, but likewise when rates come down and liquidity increases (likely) in early 2026, they will take off like a rocket.
2. Inflation and Its Impact on Purchasing Power
With rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the cost of goods and services could rise. This is called inflation, and it decreases the purchasing power of money. You're effectively losing wealth if your investments aren’t growing faster than inflation.
3. Interest Rate Uncertainty
As trade tensions and inflation rise, the Federal Reserve may adjust interest rates to control economic stability.
Higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive, potentially slowing down business expansion and consumer spending.
Lower interest rates encourage borrowing and investing, potentially fueling asset bubbles.
Mine the Gap: Turning Economic Uncertainty Into Opportunity
For investors who understand the landscape, economic gaps aren’t just risks—they’re strategic entry points for wealth-building.
1. Is it time to “Buy the Dip”: Market Downturns and Opportunity
One of the most effective investment strategies during volatile times is “buying the dip.”
What Does It Mean?
Some investors panic and sell when asset prices drop due to economic uncertainty.
Smart investors see this as an opportunity to buy quality assets at a discount because they are temporarily on sale, but inevitably still fundamentally strong over time.
How to Apply It:
Focus on companies with strong fundamentals that are temporarily undervalued.
Consider investing in index funds or ETFs that track major markets like the S&P 500.
Use dollar-cost averaging—investing a fixed amount at regular intervals—to mitigate risk.
2. Diversify Your Portfolio for Stability
Spreading investments across multiple asset classes can reduce risk exposure:
Hard assets like real estate and commodities (gold, oil) provide stability.
Dividend-paying stocks offer passive income while waiting for market recovery.
Cryptocurrencies (primarily Bitcoin) may serve as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation and now that the U.S. has announced to create a budget-neutral Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, it is probably a good time to hold some yourself for the duration as part of your portfolio.
3. Focus on Resilient Sectors
Certain industries tend to weather economic storms better than others. These include:
Healthcare: People will always need medical care, making it a defensive investment, and this includes investments in medical office buildings or REITs.
Consumer Staples: Essential goods like food and household items remain in demand.
Infrastructure & Energy: Government spending on domestic projects could boost these sectors, but as the IRA act under the Biden Administration gets attacked, the beneficiaries of this spending in a Trump era will likely be different.
4. Work With Registered Investment Advisors and Estate Planners
Just as a train conductor helps passengers navigate a complex transit system, a registered investment advisor (RIA) can help investors:
Assess risk tolerance and adjust portfolios accordingly.
Identify tax-efficient investment strategies.
Align estate planning with wealth preservation goals.
Key Steps to Take:
Audit any current RIA you may be working with for the strategic playbook for the next world order that is emerging under Trump 2.0, because the old playbook of the last 50 years is obsolete. Review asset allocation with your advisor to ensure a balance between risk and reward for your one, five, and ten-year requirements.
Optimize estate plans to protect generational wealth from excessive taxation as it relates to your specific mandated outcomes and make no apologies for changes you make to advisors around you because it’s your money and your retirement and you need a team that is actively engaged and not asleep at the wheel.
Explore alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds, or Bitcoin for further diversification. Ask them to explain their viewpoint, and if they don’t say to you that “everything has changed,” then fire them on the spot, because they are not paying attention to the playing field and the one that is emerging with the convergence of AI, Digital Assets, and Quantum on the horizon.
A Roadmap for Wealth Preservation and Growth
Economic gaps—like those caused by deregulation, tariffs, technology disruption, and inflation—may seem daunting. However, with the right strategy, they can become opportunities for long-term financial security.
By minding the gap (understanding risks) and mining the gap (leveraging strategic opportunities), investors can build resilience, preserve wealth, and capitalize on market inefficiencies.
Now is the time to:
✔ Stay informed about economic shifts.
✔ Work with professional advisors to tailor a financial strategy.
✔ Use market downturns to strengthen investment positions.
With a proactive mindset, you won’t just survive economic uncertainty—you’ll thrive in it. You can turn today’s economic shifts into tomorrow’s financial success by staying aware, adapting, and making sure that your advisors are not running an old playbook that no longer applies. So, mind (and mine) the gap, and confidently protect your portfolio.
Yours in wealth & health,
~Chris J Snook
Key Financial Terms Explained
Market Volatility: The rate at which the price of an asset increases or decreases for a given set of returns. High volatility means greater risk but also greater potential rewards.
Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power.
Interest Rates: The cost of borrowing money, set by the Federal Reserve, impacting loans, mortgages, and overall economic activity.
Diversification: Spreading investments across different asset classes to reduce risk.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions, to smooth out price fluctuations.
“Buying the Dip”: Purchasing stocks or assets when prices are temporarily low, anticipating future gains.
Registered Investment Advisor (RIA): A licensed financial professional who provides clients investment advice and fiduciary oversight.