My Investment and Asset Management Approach

Today, with growing attention on the recession brought about by the Trump administration’s tariff policies, I wanted to share my personal perspective on investment and asset management.

How I Got Started in Investing

I first began investing around the time COVID-19 started to spread globally. As conversations about investment became more common among people around me, I thought, “Maybe I should try something too,” and that’s how I got my start. Of course, I’m not a professional investor—just an ordinary company employee. The methods I share here are purely the result of my own trial and error. Please understand I cannot take responsibility if you happen to incur losses by following them.

That said, I hope this can be helpful for anyone who’s curious about investing but doesn’t know where to begin, or who’s interested in seeing how others approach their investments.

Background of the Recent Recession

In early April 2025, President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on countries around the world, causing major upheaval in the stock market. This policy is said to aim at protecting American workers, yet it may also impact financial markets and potentially disrupt the global economy.

Stock prices have fallen, exchange rates have become unstable, and there is concern that this situation could escalate into a full-blown trade war. Precisely because we live in these volatile times, I feel it’s more important than ever to think carefully about where to place our assets.

My Portfolio

First, here’s a look at the main assets I currently hold:

ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

• QQQ (an index of 100 major tech companies)
• iShares Gold
• SPDR Gold

Individual Stocks

Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Nvidia, Palantir, AMD, Broadcom, TSMC (Taiwan), Alibaba, and more

Over the past few years, I’ve primarily held QQQ and AI-related stocks, driven by optimism about tech companies. However, with recent news about tariffs stirring up market uncertainty, I feel a strong need to reassess not only short-term stock drops but also where I should be allocating my funds in the long run.

Why I’m Centering on Gold

Amid these circumstances, I want to make gold the centerpiece of my investments going forward. There are two main ways to invest in gold: purchasing physical gold or buying ETFs. I personally prefer ETFs for simplicity (though buying physical gold from shops like Tanaka Kikinzoku can be attractive, it comes with tax and storage considerations that I’ve decided to avoid for now).

China’s Departure from the LBMA and the Outlook for Rising Gold Prices

It’s said that in October 2023, when Chinese banks withdrew from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), gold prices became freer to move. With BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) shifting away from the U.S. dollar and increasingly stocking gold as a reserve currency, many believe gold prices could continue to rise in the future.

Relatively Stable Price Movements

Compared to U.S. individual stocks or cryptocurrencies, gold sees relatively moderate price fluctuations, giving it a stability somewhat akin to an index fund. Even if the stock market plunges, gold tends to move more gradually, offering a measure of risk diversification. Particularly in times of uncertain policies or heightened currency risk, I feel there’s merit in holding an asset like gold, which is regarded as relatively “stable.”

My View on AI-Related Stocks

At the same time, I remain interested in AI-related stocks. Investing in companies like Tesla and Nvidia, which appear poised for significant growth, feels like an investment full of “possibilities.” However, given the potential for tariffs and exchange rate issues to cause extreme market volatility, investing in these stocks now requires even more caution—especially for those who struggle with the stress of short-term market swings.

That said, fields such as AI, robotics, and clean energy are expected to dramatically change the world in the coming decades, making them appealing for investors who can maintain a long-term perspective. If you do buy, it might be safer to invest gradually over time rather than pouring in a large sum all at once, as this helps mitigate risk.

Responding to the Recent Downturn

Since President Trump’s tariffs were announced, we’ve seen steep drops in stock prices. While this turmoil might subside in a short period, it’s equally possible that a global move toward protectionism could prolong economic risks.

If you don’t have extra funds on hand or can’t handle short-term fluctuations, it’s best to avoid hasty decisions and proceed with caution.

If you’re employed with a stable income and can cover any potential stock losses without impacting daily expenses, you might consider holding your positions rather than selling in panic, or even making small incremental purchases.

The global economy is influenced by far more than just tariffs—it’s also shaped by advances in AI, monetary policies, and exchange rate policies, among other factors. Rather than getting swept up in short-term crashes, I feel it’s wiser in these uncertain times to focus on the bigger picture: which businesses or assets are likely to grow in value over the next 10 or 20 years?

On Real Estate Investment

While apartment prices and rents in Tokyo are rising, I’m personally cautious about real estate investment given the economic uncertainties ahead.

• The difficulty of finding a good property and the risk of rising maintenance fees
• Potential costs for future facility renovations or rebuilding
• The hassle of managing or selling real estate

Considering these factors, investing in an apartment building seems quite challenging. If you really want to buy a home, perhaps opting for a house with land and good access to work—allowing for flexibility down the road—could provide more peace of mind.

How I Gather Information

I primarily get my information from newsletters by Kazu Masa Kawashima and Satoshi Nakajima. Each offers a unique angle on economics, investment, and technology, which helps broaden my perspective.

Kazu Masa Kawashima’s Newsletter

Covers a wide range of topics, from entertainment to investment, making it easy to pick up daily insights and global trends.

Satoshi Nakajima’s Newsletter (paid)

I read this mainly to learn about AI and programming, but it also touches on stock investment and current events, letting me stay informed about both the latest tech developments and investment news simultaneously.

Conclusion

Because of protectionist policies like Trump’s tariffs, the stock market has become more prone to volatility. Short-term plays in stock investment are getting more challenging, and those without sufficient surplus funds or tolerance for risk should be especially cautious.

Meanwhile, gold is expected by many to keep rising in value and remains relatively stable, so allocating a portion of one’s assets to gold can be a way to diversify risk. AI-related stocks and real estate can also be appealing, but rather than putting all your money in a single basket, I’ve found it crucial to carefully assess where to place your assets and diversify accordingly.

Once again, please remember that all final investment decisions are your own responsibility. I’m still learning through trial and error myself. I hope you find this post even slightly helpful, and I plan to keep updating my investment journal as I adjust my portfolio in response to changing circumstances.

Disclaimer

This article is based on personal experiences and opinions, and does not recommend any specific product, service, or investment. All investments are made at your own risk, and I cannot be held liable for any losses incurred.