Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that investors looking to protect their portfolios and generate passive income should consider yielding exchange-traded funds (ETFs) [1] Group 1 - Yielding ETFs can provide a reliable source of passive income for investors [1] - These financial instruments are designed to offer returns through dividends and interest payments [1] - The use of ETFs can help in portfolio diversification while maintaining income generation [1]

Core Insights - Gold is viewed as a valuable asset in investment portfolios, with a suggested allocation of 25% considered reasonable due to its role as an insurance policy against currency weakness and inflation [1][6] - The U.S. dollar has experienced significant depreciation, with a 10.8% drop in the U.S. Dollar Index in the first half of 2025, marking its worst performance since 1973 [3] - Concerns about inflation are rising, with potential implications for U.S. monetary policy, especially if there are changes in Federal Reserve leadership [4][5] Gold Investment - Gold has increased over 40% in value over the past year, with expectations that it could reach over $4,000 per ounce by the end of 2025 [7] - Gold IRAs are highlighted as a tax-advantaged way to invest in gold, allowing for the holding of physical gold or gold-related assets within retirement accounts [8] International Stocks - There is a favorable outlook for foreign stocks, particularly European and select Asian markets, as a weaker dollar is expected to benefit these investments [9] - The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF have shown strong performance, with year-to-date gains of 28% and 29% respectively [10] Real Estate as an Inflation Hedge - Real estate is identified as another effective hedge against inflation, with property values and rental income typically rising during inflationary periods [11] - The S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has increased by 49% over the past five years, indicating strong demand and limited supply in the housing market [12] Alternative Real Estate Investment Options - Homeshares and First National Realty Partners (FNRP) are presented as options for investors seeking exposure to real estate without the burdens of direct property management [14][15] - These investment vehicles allow for participation in the real estate market with lower minimum investments and potential returns ranging from 14% to 17% [15][16]

Market Overview - The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq have shown significant volatility due to President Trump's tariff plans, which initially caused stock declines but saw a temporary rebound after a 90-day tariff pause and exemptions for electronics [1][2] Investment Strategies - **ETFs**: Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is recommended for diversification across industries, which can mitigate risks during market downturns. A broad ETF like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is suggested, known for its low expense ratio of 0.03% and historical average annual return of 10% [3][4] - **Beneficiary Companies**: Some companies may benefit from tariffs, such as Amazon and Etsy, as consumers may shift away from China-based products due to increased costs. Etsy has indicated it could be a "net beneficiary" of tariffs focused on China [5][6] - **Established Companies**: Investing in well-established companies like American Express and Microsoft is advisable during market turmoil, as they have a proven track record and are currently trading at reasonable valuations [7][8] - **Safe Stocks**: Companies in resilient sectors, such as healthcare, are considered "safe players" as they continue to perform during economic downturns. Additionally, dividend stocks, particularly Dividend Kings, are recommended for passive income [9][10] - **Long-term Perspective**: Maintaining a long-term investment outlook is crucial during market fluctuations. Quality stocks typically recover over time, and investors are encouraged to focus on long-term prospects rather than short-term volatility [11][12]