Geopolitical Tensions Make Gold, Oil, and Defense Stocks Must-Have Hedges, Says Top Wealth Manager

As an experienced financial analyst with over two decades of studying and analyzing markets, I find myself consistently impressed by individuals like Aadil Zaman who are able to distill complex market conditions into actionable strategies for investors. His life experiences, academic background, and professional accolades have undeniably equipped him with a unique perspective that sets him apart in the financial services industry.


On October 1st, 2024, Aadil Zaman, a partner at Wall Street Alliance Group, appeared on CNBC’s Power Lunch to discuss strategies for navigating the present market climate. With rising geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and the Federal Reserve keeping an eye on the economy, Zaman suggested a strategy that focuses on safeguarding investments through gold, energy, and defense stocks.

The Wall Street Alliance Group is a specialized financial services company offering customized wealth management solutions. They primarily serve affluent clients like doctors, lawyers, and corporate leaders with complex financial needs. Their services span from investment strategies to tax planning, risk management, and estate planning. By combining their deep understanding of the intricacies of financial markets and tax laws, they strive to help their clients build and safeguard their assets using bespoke financial strategies. They approach each client’s unique financial objectives and hurdles with a personalized touch, ensuring exceptional service and professionalism in meeting their wealth management requirements.

Aadil Zaman is a seasoned financial consultant, boasting an impressive educational pedigree that includes a Bachelor’s in Economics and Management from the University of London and an MBA in Finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Known as a prominent public speaker on a national level, Aadil has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal in their “Ten Five Star Wealth Managers You Should Know” feature. Additionally, he’s made the cut for the WealthManagement.com 2019 Thrive list of rapidly growing advisors and was included in the Financial Times 2020 edition of Top 401 Retirement Advisers.

In his interview on CNBC, Zaman started by talking about Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s recent comments, indicating that the central bank will continue to be adaptable and supportive in addressing global and economic threats. According to Zaman, although the Fed aims for stability, there may still be temporary market adjustments, especially given the ongoing unpredictability in international politics.

According to Zaman’s advice, it’s wise for investors to spread out their investments by boosting holdings in gold and oil company stocks as protective measures. He highlighted that gold, symbolized by the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD), has typically served as a reliable safeguard during times of geopolitical unrest. With volatility increasing and the dollar becoming weaker due to possible Federal Reserve interest rate decreases, gold often becomes stronger, offering a secure investment choice for those aiming to shield their portfolios.

As a researcher, I’ve found that Zaman emphasizes the importance of oil as another vital safeguard, notably ExxonMobil, which currently presents attractive valuations. With relatively low break-even prices, ExxonMobil can maintain profitability even during oil price declines. Moreover, its robust dividend yield makes it an enticing choice for investors seeking income. Zaman posits that oil plays a distinctive role in shielding portfolios from economic recessions and geopolitical unrest, particularly considering the current situation in the Middle East. In his perspective, owning oil stocks serves as a hedge against market fluctuations while still offering growth opportunities.

He also emphasized the importance of defense stocks, which are likely to benefit from rising geopolitical tensions. Whether the Democrats or Republicans win the upcoming U.S. election, Zaman expects defense spending to increase. He particularly recommended Lockheed Martin as a strong long-term player in this space.

Regarding the larger U.S. economy, Zaman showed a measured sense of optimism. Though there are short-term risks present, he does not foresee a significant economic downturn occurring. This optimistic outlook is largely due to the current position of the Federal Reserve. He highlighted Home Depot and American Express as companies that could prosper with ongoing consumer spending, particularly among customers in higher income brackets who are less affected by smaller economic fluctuations. These stocks are considered promising for long-term growth, bolstered by projected interest rate reductions.

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2024-10-02 12:04