Dividend Stocks Could Be 'Biggest Winners' As Trump's Trade Moves Shake Markets: WisdomTree Expert

As Trump tariffs take another spin through Mexico and Canada, investors are left navigating an increasingly complex trade landscape.

While the long-term economic impact remains "indeterminate for both the U.S. and others," Sam Rines, macro strategist at WisdomTree, sees this as a pivotal stress test for economies and supply chains that have hardened over the past six years.

Mexico & Canada: The First To React To Trump Tariffs

In a swift diplomatic maneuver, Mexico and the U.S. have reached what Rines calls "a détente of sorts." It may not be a full-fledged trade agreement, but it's enough of a political win for Trump to delay and reassess.

Canada has also reached a temporary agreement with the U.S., while the EU is bracing for its turn in the trade spotlight. Interestingly, "India (and others) are not being mentioned in the same context," a nod to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's past alignment with Donald Trump.

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Dividend Payers Take Center Stage

So, who benefits from a protracted tariff skirmish? "The winners in a prolonged trade and tariff skirmish are U.S. domestically focused businesses," Rines notes, pointing to value stocks with limited exposure to trade volatility.

Dividend payers stand out as particularly "attractive," with Rines emphasizing their resilience over buyback-heavy firms. Those companies prioritizing stable income distribution are likely to emerge as the "biggest winners."

ETFs To Watch

For US investors looking to capitalize, ETFs such as the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF VIG, iShares Select Dividend ETF DVY, the WisdomTree U.S. High Dividend Fund DHS and the WisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund DGRW could offer exposure to resilient, dividend-paying U.S. firms.

Those betting on an America-first trade boom might look at Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF SCHD for companies committed to consistent payouts.

Rines leaves no doubt that this turbulence is far from over: "America First economic policies are seizing the attention of the markets… this is not going to abate in the near future and neither will the consequent volatility." Investors should buckle up, as the tariff rollercoaster shows no signs of slowing.

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