Gold’s Glimmer in a Trump 2.0 World: Insights from Trey Reik
I had the opportunity to speak with Trey Reik on From the Top—our Executive Edge series where we tackle the big questions with the biggest brains. Our topic: gold. That timeless, shiny safety net for when the world feels just a bit… off-kilter.
Trey Reik, is the maestro of precious metals, whose expertise is rivaled only by his ability to casually work “hedonically adjusted hot dogs” into a serious discussion about gold. Together, we explored what a Trump 2.0 presidency might mean for fiscal policy, global alliances, and, of course, the ever-resilient gold market. For those looking to understand why gold continues to shine in turbulent times, Trey’s perspective is a must-hear.
Election Night Flashbacks: When Gold and Markets Clash
Trey took us on a quick rewind to election night 2016. Remember the chaos? Gold shot up $65 in the after-hours market, S&P futures plunged 5%, and everyone braced for Armageddon. By the next morning, gold was flat, the S&P was up, and the apocalypse was rescheduled for another day.
This time around, the markets greeted Trump’s re-election with less drama and more déjà vu. Why? Because, as Trey explained, the possibility of a Trump victory had been priced in for months. The smart money started shifting in September, with portfolios repositioned for deregulation-friendly policies and investor favorites like fossil fuels and industrials.
Trump’s Policy Greatest Hits: A New Remix?
Tax cuts, tariffs, and deregulation—the holy trinity of Trump’s economic playbook—are back for an encore. But with equity valuations already sky-high, Trey noted it’s unlikely we’ll see the kind of stock market rally that defined 2017.
And what about inflation? Despite concerns that tariffs and tax cuts might ignite price surges, Trey reminded us that Trump’s first term kept inflation tame at 2.1%. Turns out, Trump’s more a chess player than a flame-thrower when it comes to economic policy. But with a $36 trillion national debt and $1.8 trillion deficits, even the savviest moves can’t entirely shield the economy—or gold—from stormy seas.
Global Power Plays: Why Gold Still Shines
Geopolitical tensions remain the wildcard. Whether it’s the Russia-China-Iran axis or BRICS countries hedging against the dollar, the world is clearly rethinking its reliance on U.S. monetary dominance.
This, Trey explained, is where gold really gleams. With global uncertainty mounting, gold’s role as an investment-grade monetary reserve only becomes more appealing. And while Trump’s new cabinet may lean more pragmatic than his first, the potential for turbulence is as strong as ever.
The Golden Takeaway
As our conversation wrapped, I couldn’t help but marvel at how gold manages to stay so relevant in a world full of fads. Crocs and fidget spinners may come and go, but gold? It’s been quietly dazzling us since before recorded history.
Trey left us with this: while fiscal policies, Fed easing, and geopolitics may wax and wane, gold remains steadfast. It’s the ultimate hedge against the unknown—and in a Trump 2.0 world, there’s plenty of unknown to go around.
So, here’s to gold: that rare mix of timelessness, practicality, and just enough sparkle to keep us all intrigued. And here’s to Trey Reik, for helping us navigate the glittering waters of the gold market with humor, insight, and yes, hot dogs.
Tune in to hear our discussion.