Are these the best US stocks to buy now? Macro view during Trump era

Wondering what the best US stocks to buy now are as Trump’s economic policies shake up the markets? Trading expert Inki Cho shares a sharp, forward-looking analysis to help investors navigate volatility and uncover resilient stock opportunities in 2025.

Since President Trump’s return to office, investors looking for the best US stocks to buy now are facing renewed uncertainty around protectionist trade policies and aggressive fiscal expansion. His administration's sweeping tariffs—imposed at unprecedented levels on a wide range of global partners—have reemerged as a major threat to global supply chains. This, in turn, is fueling fresh inflation concerns and increasing the risk of a potential slowdown. While Trump continues to alternate between pressure and diplomacy in dealing with foreign governments, the economic drag from elevated tariffs is becoming harder to ignore.

What should investors watch for in 2025? Here are five key insights to help you manage risk and identify opportunities in today’s market:

Key takeaways

1. Volatility is a performance indicator, not a flaw. In uncertain markets, sharp movements often reflect underlying shifts in policy and sentiment that can influence long-term equity performance.
2. Debt-fueled policy may trigger structural losses. The Trump administration’s fiscal expansion could add significant pressure to long-term debt levels, raising the risk of capital flight and portfolio losses.
3. Tariff-driven inflation weakens defensive performance. Inflation linked to trade barriers can undercut even defensive sectors, challenging assumptions about which areas offer stable returns.
4. Diversification is key to manage economic downturns. A broad portfolio with exposure to global equities, inflation-linked assets, and commodities can help manage volatility during cyclical pullbacks.
5. There’s no guaranteed list of the best stocks. Investors must apply their own judgment, as the idea of “best US stocks to buy now” depends heavily on timing, risk appetite, and strategic goals.

Trump’s economic policy: A mixed bag for equities

Markets held up reasonably well in the early stages of the tariff implementation. Optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and the strength of several large-cap tech names helped prop up overall indices. However, that initial resilience now gives way to deeper scrutiny of the risks baked into Trump-era economic policy. The administration’s push for tax cuts, renewed trade barriers, and expanding deficits presents a complicated mix of pressures for the economy and equity valuations.

Rising yields and their impact on market performance

In 2025, I believe volatility will be a defining feature of the US equity landscape. While areas like semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and AI-driven automation will likely remain favored due to long-term demand, broader market gains may be tempered by persistent macro headwinds. The president’s renewed push for tax cuts will almost certainly drive a significant increase in Treasury issuance. As federal borrowing rises, long-term yields are expected to climb, lifting borrowing costs across the economy and compressing equity valuations, particularly in growth-oriented sectors, which makes identifying the best US stocks to buy now even more critical for managing risk and capturing value.

Higher Treasury yields also mean tighter financial conditions. Companies in capital-intensive or high-growth sectors will face steeper financing costs, likely forcing cutbacks in investment and hiring. Consumers will also feel the squeeze, as higher interest rates weigh on spending in areas like housing, auto loans, and credit. All of these point to a broader deceleration in earnings growth.

Fed policy, inflation, and the risk of overheating

Compounding these challenges is the fact that the Federal Reserve (Fed) remains cautious about loosening monetary policy too quickly. With tariffs driving up import prices in both retail and manufacturing sectors, there’s a real possibility that inflation could reaccelerate. That would make the Fed’s rate path more complicated, potentially delaying expected cuts, or even forcing policymakers to pivot back toward hikes. Such a shift would hit rate-sensitive sectors, including tech and other long-duration equities.

Sector pressures and company-specific risks

Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Lowe’s are especially exposed to the tariff risks. These firms operate on thin margins and depend heavily on global supply chains. If import costs continue rising while consumer demand softens, their profitability could take a significant hit. And if wage growth doesn’t keep up with inflation, consumer sentiment could deteriorate further, weakening the core engine of the US economy: household spending.

There’s also a growing risk that global investors will begin reassessing their exposure to US assets. While elevated yields may keep the dollar strong in the short run, long-term doubts about fiscal sustainability could weigh on investor confidence. The scale of the deficit and the outlook for rising national debt could prompt a shift in capital flows, especially if emerging markets or alternative assets begin offering better returns compared to US equities.

Even the AI sector, which has driven much of the recent market enthusiasm, isn’t immune. Demand for AI infrastructure and applications still remains strong, but valuations are already stretched. Modest shifts in interest rate expectations, geopolitical tension, or increased regulation could quickly lead to sharp pullbacks. In today’s market, where index performance is increasingly concentrated in just a handful of megacap stocks, that concentration creates a vulnerability in and of itself.

Positioning your portfolio for an uncertain 2025

All of this underscores the importance of managing risk as a top priority this year. In a policy environment that is unpredictable and unstable, assuming that recent gains will continue could be dangerous. While tactical opportunities may emerge during market pullbacks, a defensive strategic posture makes more sense. That means focusing on companies with strong fundamentals—clean balance sheets, consistent cash flow, and pricing power in inflationary environments, and selectively focusing on what may emerge as the best US stocks to buy now based on resilience and pricing power.

Geographic and asset class diversification will also be crucial. As the US contends with mounting structural challenges, global equities, commodities, and inflation-linked assets can play an increasingly central role in preserving capital and reducing volatility.

Best US stocks to buy now in 2025

In a high-volatility environment shaped by trade tensions, inflationary pressure, and shifting interest rates, investors should prioritize quality, resilience, and strategic sector exposure. Here are what I think could be some of the best US stocks to buy now, selected for their strong fundamentals and ability to thrive despite macro headwinds:

• NVIDIA (NVDA) – A leader in AI and semiconductors, NVIDIA continues to benefit from soaring demand for high-performance computing and machine learning infrastructure.
• Broadcom (AVGO) – With a diversified portfolio and exposure to AI hardware and cloud infrastructure, Broadcom offers stability and growth.
• Costco (COST) – A strong defensive play with pricing power, consistent foot traffic, and reliable margins even in inflationary conditions.
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – A healthcare giant with stable cash flows, attractive dividend yield, and resilience against consumer spending fluctuations.
• Procter & Gamble (PG) – Known for its household staples, PG offers protection in uncertain times through its brand strength and global reach.
• American Tower (AMT) – As a REIT focused on wireless infrastructure, American Tower stands to gain from long-term 5G deployment despite rising rates.

These stocks reflect sectors with both secular growth trends and defensive qualities, positioning them as solid candidates for investment portfolios in a year defined by economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Disclaimer: The stocks mentioned in this article are based on the trader’s personal investment strategy and trading ideas and are to be considered as an opinion. There is no one-size-fits-all in trading, therefore, these ideas do not constitute financial or investment advice. There is no such thing as a definitive list of the "best US stocks to buy now," as individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions vary. Always conduct your own research and possibly consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Common questions about top US stocks to watch

Final thoughts from my analysis and experience

To sum up, President Trump’s tariff strategy and its ripple effects mark a turning point for US markets. While the policy stance may appear supportive of economic expansion on the surface, it brings the baggage of rising debt, instability, trade friction, and inflation risk. Investors would do well to recognize these risks early and position accordingly. Protecting capital and staying diversified may matter more than chasing returns in a period defined by deep uncertainty and structural change.

Speaking from experience, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen policy-driven volatility disrupt what looked like a stable growth cycle. Back in 2018, we saw similar patterns emerge—sharp rallies followed by sudden pullbacks as trade headlines moved markets overnight. The difference now is scale: the stakes are higher, the debt is deeper, and the concentration of performance in just a few megacap names makes the market more fragile. My approach for 2025 is shaped by these lessons—staying agile, protecting downside, and not confusing narrative with reality.

While I’m still scanning for asymmetric opportunities—especially in AI infrastructure, energy transition plays, and select dividend growers—I’m keeping a significant portion of my portfolio liquid. I'm not chasing hype; I’m analyzing fundamentals. For me, the best US stocks to buy now aren’t necessarily the ones dominating headlines—they’re the ones with durable earnings, pricing power, and balance sheets built to withstand macro shocks. The edge in 2025, in my view, won’t come from taking big swings—it will come from managing risk, interpreting the signals the market gives us, and knowing when to sit out the noise.