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‘A very effective diversifier’ for bad times

Tesla isn’t the only stock in the red — broader market turbulence has investors on edge. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is down 6% in 2025, as concerns over tariffs, trade tensions, ballooning national debt, and the risk of recession weigh heavily on investor sentiment.

In an uncertain environment like this, billionaire hedge fund legend Ray Dalio is once again emphasizing the importance of diversification — and the enduring value of one classic asset.

“People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” he said in a recent interview with CNBC. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

Gold is considered a go-to safe haven. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and because it’s not tied to any single currency or economy, investors often flock to it during periods of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, driving up its value.

While the economy hasn’t officially entered a recession, gold has already surged — climbing 40% over the past year and recently topping the $3,000-per-ounce mark.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is with a gold IRA through American Hartford Gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those seeking to ensure their retirement funds are well-shielded against economic uncertainties.

When you sign up with American Hartford Gold, you’ll be eligible for an offer to receive up to $15,000 in free silver, along with the assurance of the best pricing through their price match guarantee.

Passive income from a real asset

Real estate has long been a favored way to generate passive income — and unlike stocks or bonds, it’s a tangible asset you can see and manage.

It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation. As the cost of materials, labor and land rises, property values often increase as well. At the same time, rental income tends to climb, giving landlords a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

Of course, purchasing a property requires significant capital — and finding the right tenant takes time and effort. But thanks to new investment options, you don’t need to own a property outright to gain exposure to real estate.

For instance, platforms like First National Realty Partners (FNRP)allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

A finer alternative

It’s easy to see why great works of art tend to appreciate over time. Supply is limited and many famous pieces have already been snatched up by museums and collectors.

In 2022, a collection of art owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen sold for $1.5 billion at Christie’s New York, making it the most valuable collection in auction history.

Investing in art was traditionally a privilege reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

Now, that’s changed with Masterworks — a platform for investing in shares of blue-chip artwork by renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy. It’s easy to use, and with 23 successful exits to date, every one of them has been profitable thus far.

Simply browse their impressive portfolio of paintings and choose how many shares you’d like to buy. Masterworks will handle all the details, making high-end art investments both accessible and effortless.

Masterworks has distributed roughly $61 million back to investors. New offerings have sold out in minutes, but you can skip their waitlist here.

Jing Pan Investment Reporter

Jing is an investment reporter for MoneyWise. He is an avid advocate of investing for passive income. Despite the ups and downs he’s been through with the markets, Jing believes that you can generate a steadily increasing income stream by investing in high quality companies.

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