A 31-year-old investor recently turned to Reddit’s r/Investing community for advice on how to invest $200,000 inherited through an IRA account. He revealed plans to use half of the amount for an aggressive portfolio of stocks likely to thrive during Donald Trump’s presidency. His query quickly gained traction, sparking lively debates and varied suggestions.
The Redditor shared his vision of leveraging "Trump-friendly" stocks—businesses aligned with the former president’s economic policies or managed by his associates. The goal? To grow his $200,000 inheritance into $500,000 by the end of Trump’s hypothetical term.
Having held the funds in a standard S&P 500 index fund, earning 5% returns pre-election, he now seeks higher yields. "I want to ride the Trump train," he explained, eyeing potential in sectors like defence, technology, and automotive. The investor also disclosed the account's required closure within ten years, underscoring a sense of urgency.
Community Suggestions
Among the most recommended strategies was sticking with broader index funds like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). Some Redditors cautioned that the market may have already priced in Trump-related gains. Others suggested that diversification across ETFs could be a safer option.
Stock Picks to Watch
- Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK):
A Redditor highlighted technology's potential during Trump’s era, citing reduced censorship and growing opportunities in social media. XLK, which includes giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft, has already risen 27% this year. - Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT):
The defence sector remains a strong contender. Lockheed Martin, up 8% this year, is anticipated to benefit from Trump’s focus on bolstering military strength and space capabilities. Analysts suggest defence stocks could see sustained growth. - Tesla (TSLA):
Despite Tesla’s perceived ideological distance from Trump, the company’s adaptability makes it an intriguing choice. Tesla stock has surged 67% this year, and analysts believe Elon Musk’s nuanced relationship with the Trump administration could boost the company’s trajectory. - TKO Group Holdings (TKO):
TKO Group is up 78% this year with ties to entertainment via UFC and WWE. Redditors noted that Trump's association with professional wrestling could benefit it. - Stellantis (STLA):
Though Stellantis faces challenges, including a leadership change and a 40% decline in stock value, some Redditors saw the potential for a recovery in the automaker under Trump’s business-friendly policies. - Nvidia (NVDA):
Riding a 185% increase this year, Nvidia’s innovations in data centers and AI-driven technologies have impressed investors. Analysts project further growth as tech demand rises.
Lessons and Cautions
While enthusiasm for "Trump-friendly" stocks runs high, some Redditors warned against betting heavily on speculative trends. One said: "There’s no guarantee stocks will go up in four years. Play it safe."
As this Redditor charts his investment journey, his crowdsourced approach offers insights into the power—and pitfalls—of online communities shaping financial decisions.