Tariffs Are Back on the Menu: This Magnificent BlackRock ETF Could Help Protect Your Portfolio

Core Viewpoint - President Trump is threatening new tariffs on major trading partners, which could lead to increased consumer prices and potential economic growth challenges, as well as a global trade war [1][2]. Trade Policy Impact - The S&P 500 index fell by as much as 19% following the announcement of initial tariffs in April, with further declines occurring after Trump's recent threats of a 100% surcharge on imports from China and a new 10% tariff on Canadian imports [2]. Investment Opportunities - The iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) is highlighted as a potential investment to protect against trade tensions, focusing on American technology companies that are increasing domestic production [3][5]. ETF Composition - The iShares ETF has a significant allocation in the software and services sector at 40.6%, and the semiconductor sector at 25.7%, with the latter being less affected by tariffs due to exclusions for critical computing hardware [6][7]. Top Holdings - The top 10 holdings in the iShares ETF account for 61.6% of its portfolio, with major companies like Broadcom, Palantir Technologies, and Nvidia leading the way, reflecting a strong focus on software and semiconductor industries [8][9]. Performance Metrics - The iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF has delivered a compound annual return of 21.5% since its establishment in 2018, outperforming the S&P 500's 13.4% annual gain during the same period [14].