The ASX shares that could sink if Trump wins the US election

The data shows one sector heavily affected.

| More on:
A US flag behind a graph, indicating investment in US shares

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

With the 2024 US Presidential Election on the horizon, investors are keenly assessing how a Trump victory could impact ASX shares.

One fund manager says that Australian gold companies could be in for a rough ride if Donald Trump returns to the White House.

This includes companies like De Grey Mining Ltd (ASX: DEG), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM).

As the election approaches next month, here's what Plato Investment Management says Australian investors need to know.

How would a Trump win impact ASX shares?

If the betting markets are any indication, Plato Investment Management says a Trump comeback could bring significant volatility to ASX shares, particularly in the mining sector.

Portfolio manager Dr David Allen says that history has shown gold tends to thrive during periods of political and fiscal uncertainty.

But the reaction to a Trump victory could be different this time around.

Using data obtained from prediction markets, Allen and the team at Plato have created a list of stocks to avoid in the event of a Trump re-election.

And the reasoning isn't anything political at all. Plato constructs the list of ASX shares using raw data analysis:

"These stocks have had the strongest negative price moves during instances when betting markets have recorded a 30% increase in the probability of a Trump presidential win."

Plato's list contains three ASX mining companies that may or may not surprise some investors. The firm's findings are particularly critical of gold companies – interesting, seeing as the yellow metal set another record high yesterday.

Notably, several Australian gold companies are on the list. A Trump presidency, characterised by deregulation and tax cuts, could apply downward pressure on gold, creating a headwind for gold, traditionally a safe-haven asset.

If Trump pursues more aggressive fiscal measures, US interest rates could rise, strengthening the US dollar and putting downward pressure on gold prices.

A stronger dollar could make gold less appealing to international buyers, potentially hurting Australian gold miners.

Moreover, some of these ASX shares are already experiencing a downfall. Mineral Resources shares are down more than 32% in the past year, with losses extending today after revelations on the CEO's personal tax history.

A Trump win could boost some, as well

While some stocks might struggle with a Trump presidency, Plato was prudent in providing a list of companies that could find opportunities.

It used the same criteria but did not come up with any ASX shares. These were all USA beneficiaries, concentrated in the oil & gas, semiconductors, and banking industries.

Many of these stocks tend to rise sharply whenever the market does anyways.

Despite the focus on providing a framework to invest during the election, Plato still incorporates the base fundamentals. That is, thinking long-term, and remaining diversified in risk management.

Rather than spending endless hours trying to anticipate inherently unpredictable events, we feel this is the most prudent approach to ensure your portfolio will not be significantly impacted whoever wins on November 5 – it's about protecting, not predicting

Foolish takeaway

As the US Presidential Election approaches, some ASX shares could be in for a tough ride if Plato Investment Management is correct in its analysis.

The old "this time is different" saying continuously plays amongst investor circles. But if historical data shows anything, it's that history doesn't repeat, but it often rhymes.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Economy

Animation of a man measuring a percentage sign, symbolising rising interest rates.
Economy

Here's the big four banks' revised interest rate predictions after the RBA left rates on hold

The RBA's decision shocked investors yesterday. What comes next?

Read more »

A hipster-looking man with bushy beard and multiple arm tattoos sits on the floor against a sofa reading a tablet with his hand on his chin as though he is deep in thought.
Share Market News

ASX 200 slides on unexpected RBA interest rate call

The ASX 200 is tumbling on the RBA’s latest interest rate announcement.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Economy

Tariff deals in focus: What's the likely outcome for Australia?

Brace for a new 'Liberation Day' on 1 August.

Read more »

Percentage sign on a blue graph representing interest rates.
Share Market News

Will ASX 200 investors get a supersized RBA interest rate cut tomorrow?

The ASX 200 could make some big moves tomorrow on any unexpected RBA interest rate announcement.

Read more »

A blockchain investor sits at his desk with a laptop computer open and a phone checking information from a booklet in a home office setting.
Economy

Major bank slashes interest rates 6 days ahead of RBA decision

What does this mean for investors?

Read more »

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Economy

How could Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' affect the stock market?

Markets don't seem worried about this bill, but that could change.

Read more »

A female financial services professional with a manicured black afro hairstyle turns an ipad screen to show a client across the table a set of ASX shares figures in graph format.
Economy

Westpac becomes the latest big 4 bank to predict a July rate cut

What does this mean for investors?

Read more »

Oil rig worker standing with a clipboard.
Economy

What does the changing oil price mean for the ASX 200?

Oil continues to wobble with the tensions seen on the world stage.

Read more »