Right. So, the market. It’s been…a thing. A definite thing. All this talk of the dollar, and Trump liking it ‘great’ (whatever that means – does he like things generally, or is this a strategic pronouncement? It’s so hard to tell), has got me thinking. And when I think, I tend to…overthink. And when I overthink, I rearrange my portfolio. It’s a vicious cycle, really.
Apparently, a weaker dollar could help with the trade deficit. Which sounds…logical, I suppose. Although, honestly, I mostly just worry about whether I’ll have enough for a decent retirement. The whole thing feels terribly precarious. Units of Cryptocurrency Lost: 12. Hours Spent Watching Charts: 9. Number of Panicked Texts to Friends: 24. It’s a work in progress, let’s say.
Everyone’s suddenly very keen on precious metals, which feels…a bit late to the party, doesn’t it? Like turning up to a dinner party after everyone’s finished the main course and are already onto the petit fours. Still, gold and silver are apparently all the rage. I’m trying to be sensible, though. A basket of metals feels…less reckless than putting everything on, say, Dogecoin.
1. Precious Metals: A Shiny Distraction?
Gold’s topped $5,000 an ounce, which is…a lot of money. It’s enough to make one feel faintly inadequate, frankly. Silver’s doing well too. It all feels a bit frothy, though, like a cappuccino that’s about to overflow. I’m trying to be pragmatic. The abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR 4.41%) seems a relatively safe way to dip a toe in. Roughly 57% gold, 35% silver, a bit of palladium and platinum. It’s not glamorous, but it feels…responsible.
2. Vanguard Total International Stock ETF: Escaping the Homeland
The idea of diversifying internationally seems…sensible. If the U.S. sneezes, at least I have some investments in places that might not be currently experiencing a cold. The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS +0.58%) sounds…complicated, but apparently owns stocks in lots of different countries. Europe, emerging markets…it’s all very exotic.
Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, ASML…these are all companies I’ve vaguely heard of. And then there’s HSBC and Nestle, which sound…comfortingly solid. Like a warm cup of tea. I’m hoping this will provide some protection if the U.S. market decides to have a wobble. Valuations abroad seem…more reasonable, which is always a plus.
3. Chevron: Oil & My Anxieties
Oil. It’s…complicated. And messy. And essential, apparently. And it tends to move in the opposite direction to the dollar, which is…convenient. I’m trying to be a responsible investor, but sometimes I just want to buy things that will go up. Chevron (CVX 0.94%) seems…relatively stable. It’s nearly doubled in price over the last five years, which is…encouraging.
They’ve built up operations in the Permian Basin, which sounds…remote. And they’re returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Which is…good, I suppose. And apparently, they’re planning to boost crude oil exports from Venezuela. Which sounds…complicated. I’m trying to tell myself this is a sound investment, but mostly I’m just hoping it won’t lose all its value overnight. Number of times I’ve checked my portfolio today: 17. I really need a hobby.
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2026-02-02 20:53