When Trump Storms Back In, HNWIs Are Shaking Off Their Comfort
Ever since President Trump crept back into the White House, the big money crowd—think high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)—has started a new trend of fretting over global trade and geopolitical jitters. A study by the wealth‑managing firm Saltus shows that even before Trump officially took office, the ultra‑rich were already bracing for the storm.
What the Survey Says
Saltus ran a Wealth Index Report that asked 2,000 wealth‑rich Brits, each owning at least £250,000, whether trade hiccups were a threat to the UK economy.
- 25% of respondents flagged trade policies (tariffs, disputes) as the biggest roadblock.
- Another 25% worried about regulatory head‑winds that could choke businesses.
- Infrastructure and climate change each ticked 19% yet still fell behind.
Meanwhile, 32% of those surveyed named geopolitical risk as a top concern for their personal fortune—third only to inflation (52%) and UK tax changes (47%).
The Real Fright
When asked to pick the single biggest worry for the year ahead, the answer was economic decline (22%). Health and kids were far behind, and geopolitical risk dipped to the fourth spot (both at 11%).
Saltus’s Take
Michael Stimpson, Senior Partner at Saltus, weighed in: “Our clients were already on high‑alert mode even before Trump hitched the country’s political helm. Trade wars and geopolitics are not news—they’re the headline of the day.” He added, “Now that Trump’s back, the market tremors are going to get louder. Investors are digging deep into how border policies or foreign stances will echo in their portfolios and long‑term plans.”
Stimpson also offered a calm‑numbing survival guide for the anxious:
- “During wind‑whipping market cycles, pull back from the noise. Focus on what you can control.”
- “Sometimes the smartest move in chaos is to do nothing at all.”
- “History has shown that— (no link shows here as per style guide). Even in tense geopolitics, markets climb over time. That perspective is a reassurance power‑boost.”
- “Use the points when the market’s awry to pause, review finances, and consider a trusted advisor to craft a long‑term game plan.”
Bottom Line
If you’re a high‑net‑worth individual, stay tuned. Trade tariffs, foreign policy shifts, and geopolitical drama may well keep you on edge—yet with a solid plan, you’ll be able to ride out the turbulence and exit the market on your own terms.
