Tariff Trepidation: How Trade Policies Impact Markets & Investments

One of the focal points following the presidential election is the potential for an increase in tariffs applied to goods produced outside the US. Many investors have wondered what this could mean for markets.

One period offering perspective on this issue is President Trump’s first term in office. Beginning in 2017, the administration eyed China as a target and, by 2018, began imposing tariffs across a range of products. The next couple of years saw back and forth trade discussions that eventually led to an agreement, though pre-existing tariffs remained in place. Despite all this uncertainty, both China and the US posted higher cumulative returns than the MSCI World ex USA Index over the four years of Trump’s term.

Markets are forward-looking, and the economic impact from initiatives such as tariffs is likely already reflected in current market prices. When these expected developments come to pass, the effect on markets may be muted.

Exhibit 1: Growth of $1 During President Trump’s First Term

January 2017–December 2020

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Tariffs are only one of many factors that can impact security prices. Investors may be better off sticking with the plan rather than trying to outguess the market based on potential tariff policy changes.

Disclosures & Sources: Exhibit 1: In USD. Data shown from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020. Growth of wealth shows the growth of a hypothetical investment of $1. Data presented in the growth of wealth chart is hypothetical and assumes reinvestment of income and no transaction costs or taxes. The chart is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of any investment. Performance includes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. MSCI China Index and MSCI World ex USA Index returns are net dividend. Tariff events data sourced from Reuters. S&P data © 2025 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved. MSCI data © MSCI 2025, all rights reserved. Indices are not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with the management of an actual portfolio. This article is written by Dimensional Fund Advisors. The information in this material is intended for the recipient’s background information and use only. It is provided in good faith and without any warranty or representation as to accuracy or completeness. Information and opinions presented in this material have been obtained or derived from sources believed by Canter Wealth to be reliable, and Canter Wealth has reasonable grounds to believe that all factual information herein is true as at the date of this material. It does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer of any services or products for sale and is not intended to provide a sufficient basis on which to make an investment decision. Before acting on any information in this document, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your particular circumstances and, if appropriate, seek professional advice. It is the responsibility of any persons wishing to make a purchase to inform themselves of and observe all applicable laws and regulations. Unauthorized reproduction or transmission of this material is strictly prohibited. Canter Wealth accepts no responsibility for loss arising from the use of the information contained herein. This material is not directed at any person in any jurisdiction where the availability of this material is prohibited or would subject Canter Wealth or its services to any registration, licensing, or other such legal requirements within the jurisdiction.