Tariff Triumph or Trade Risk? How Trump’s Economic Boast Could Shake Industrials, Retail, and Gold Stocks

President Trump has posted a new announcement on Truth Social, the social media platform. He wrote:

“RT @realDonaldTrump BREAKING NEWS: Numbers released today show that the United States of America has the lowest Trade Deficit since 2009, and going even lower. In addition, our Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is predicted to come in at over 5%, and that is after losing at least 1.5% to the Democrat “Shutdown.” These incredible numbers, and the unprecedented SUCCESS of our Country, are a direct result of TARIFFS, which have rescued our Economy and National Security. I hope the Supreme Court is aware of these Historic, Country saving achievements prior to the issuance of their most important (ever!) Decision. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”

How Will Trump’s Statement Affect the Stock Market?

This latest post has the potential to affect the stock market. That’s because Trump’s post touting lower trade deficits, strong GDP, and the “success” of tariffs could initially boost sentiment for industrial and steel-related names such as Caterpillar (CAT), Nucor (NUE), SPDR S&P Metals & Mining (XME), VanEck Steel (SLX), Vanguard Industrials (VIS), Industrial Select Sector SPDR (XLI), and iShares U.S. Industrials (IYJ), as investors might interpret it as support for continued protectionist policies and domestic manufacturing strength. However, tariff-centric rhetoric can also raise concerns about higher input costs and retaliatory trade actions, which may weigh on consumer-facing companies like Walmart (WMT) and broad consumer discretionary funds such as Vanguard Consumer Discretionary (VCR) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY). Additionally, if investors believe tariffs and policy uncertainty could eventually dampen global growth, safe‑haven interest in gold‑linked assets like VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) could increase, even as pro‑growth headlines provide a near‑term lift to cyclical sectors.

Here are some of the stocks that might be affected:
Caterpillar ((CAT)),
Nucor ((NUE)),
Walmart Inc. ((WMT)),
Vanguard Industrials ETF ((VIS)),
Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund ((XLI)),
VanEck Gold Miners ETF ((GDX)),
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF ((VCR)),
Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund ((XLY)),
SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF ((XME)),
iShares U.S. Industrials ETF ((IYJ)),
VanEck Steel ETF ((SLX)).