Ahead of this evening’s Rose Garden speech, and with Trump creating huge uncertainty globally, Newspage asked experts which investment sectors could prove attractive and which strategies investors should consider — and whether the volatility in markets at present represents an opportunity.
The FTSE 250 was singled out by several experts, as “investors seek safety in traditional higher yielding dividend stocks because they will pay an income, not a price return”.
Another added: ” With earnings multiples substantially lower than US equivalents, combined with strong growth and solid financial fundamentals, the FTSE 250 offers one of the developed world’s most compelling growth stories.” Views below.
David Belle, Founder and Trader at Fink Money said, “Long defensives with perhaps some consumer staples coverage is the way to go in my view.
“We’re in a higher volatility environment with the Vix above 20. It’s hard for growth to get a foothold in this context and I expect today’s tariff announcements to add more uncertainty to the policy outlook rather than clearing risk as you’d expect usually from an important speech.
“The FTSE 250 could benefit in the current turbulent Trump climate as investors seek safety in traditional higher yielding dividend stocks because they will pay an income, not a price return.”
Tony Redondo, Founder at Cosmos Currency Exchange added, “This is a stock picker’s market, not an index fund snooze. Dividend payers and the FTSE 250 make sense for safety, but the real edge comes from agility—hedging with gold, grabbing value in dips, and betting on policy-driven sectors.
“Trump’s Rose Garden speech today is stirring the pot, and the uncertainty kicking up globally is palpable. With tariffs, trade shocks and policy flip-flops dominating headlines, markets are jittery. Volatility’s not just a buzzword here—it’s the game. It’s absolutely an opportunity—if you’ve got the stomach and the strategy.
“Right now, with Trump’s “will he, won’t he” tariff dance—20% on China’s locked in, Canada and Mexico are on-again-off-again—markets overreact both ways. That’s the window. Short-term traders could scalp those swings, while long-term players might scoop up oversold quality stocks when panic dips hit. Superior returns are possible, but it’s less about picking winners and more about dodging losers while riding the waves.”
Gabriel McKeown, Head of Macroeconomics at Sad Rabbit said, “As Wall Street staggers under the shadow of America’s most tumultuous presidential administration since the Global Financial Crisis, Britain’s financial markets are quietly gaining attention from global investors.
“With over 70% of FTSE 100 revenues derived from non-US markets, Britain’s primary index finds itself uniquely buffered against the ongoing demand disruptions across the Atlantic. Further underpinning the appeal of British markets is the resurgence within mid-cap stocks, particularly the FTSE 250, now trading at exceptionally attractive valuations. Despite the FTSE lacking the high-growth technology giants that have propelled US equities in recent years, this has begun to actually serve as an advantage in an environment where value and stability are increasingly in demand.
“With earnings multiples substantially lower than US equivalents, combined with strong growth and solid financial fundamentals, the FTSE 250 offers one of the developed world’s most compelling growth stories.”
Scott Gallacher, Director at Rowley Turton said, “While Trump’s unpredictability and changes in the US create uncertainty, volatility is nothing new. From 9/11 to the banking crisis and COVID-19, markets have faced crises that seemed like the end, yet savvy investors still made solid returns.
“This volatility presents opportunities for those who stay optimistic, patient and disciplined. Dividend stocks and the FTSE 250 might offer relative safety and income in uncertain times, with investors seeking steady income over price returns. However, with predictions that US Tariffs will further hit UK growth, FTSE 250 stocks might have their own issues.
“As always, predicting any particular area or sector is fraught with danger—diversification remains key. It’s important to maintain a well-diversified portfolio, avoiding short-term noise and sticking to the fundamentals. Those who adhere to these principles will likely emerge stronger in the long run.”
