Infomarine On-Line Maritime News - Economist fumes at major US bank’s ‘apocalyptic predictions’ about Trump tariffs

His takeaway? Look at the full picture rather than pinning inflation on a single policy.

“These things aren't happening in a vacuum,” he said. “We got to come down, I think, from the academic ivory tower.” (2)

Whether or not you agree with Antoni’s assessment, inflation has been quietly eroding Americans’ purchasing power for decades — regardless of who’s in the White House or what trade policy is in place. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, $100 in 2025 has the same buying power as just $12.05 did in 1970. (6)

The good news? Savvy investors have long found ways to protect their money from inflation’s bite. Here’s a look at three time-tested strategies.

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A classic safe haven

When it comes to preserving wealth and fighting inflation, few assets have stood the test of time like gold.

Its appeal is simple: unlike fiat currencies, the yellow metal can’t be printed at will by central banks.

Gold is also considered the ultimate safe haven. It’s not tied to any one country, currency or economy and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors often flock to it — driving prices higher.

Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 45%.

Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, has repeatedly highlighted gold’s importance in a resilient portfolio.

“People don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” Dalio told CNBC earlier this year. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

A time-tested income play

Gold isn’t the only asset investors turn to during inflationary times. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge.

When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts for inflation.

Over the past five years, the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has surged 49%, reflecting strong demand and limited housing supply. (7)

Of course, high home prices can make buying a home more challenging, especially with mortgage rates still elevated. And being a landlord isn’t exactly hands-off work — managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly eat into your time (and returns).

The good news? You don’t need to buy a property outright — or deal with leaky faucets — to invest in real estate today. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which 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. That scarcity also makes art an attractive option for investors looking to diversify and preserve wealth during periods of uncertainty and inflation.

In 2022 — shortly after U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high — 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. See important Regulation A disclosures at Masterworks.com/cd.