The Market Is Crashing—But These 2 Stocks Are Thriving Against Trump’s Tariff Storm

While Wall Street reels from the fallout of President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, two stocks have managed to defy the sell-off and emerge stronger. As major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq flirt with bear market territory, Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B) are not just holding steady—they’re thriving.

So, what’s their secret? Let’s dive into the fundamentals keeping these stocks afloat while the rest of the market struggles.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM): A Safe Haven Amid Chaos

Exxon Mobil has surged 10.93% year-to-date, with a notable 10.47% gain in the last month alone, trading at $119.04 as of the last session. While tech stocks and industrials are suffering under Trump’s trade war, Exxon is riding a wave of optimism tied to domestic energy policies.

With Trump prioritizing U.S. energy independence, Exxon stands to benefit from potential regulatory rollbacks and increased domestic production. Additionally, oil prices remain a key driver. Even though Exxon’s full-year 2024 earnings dropped to $33.46 billion from the previous year’s $38.57 billion, Q4 earnings in oil and gas soared to $6.28 billion from $4.15 billion, thanks to increased production.

The company’s December 2024 forecast projected that earnings could double by 2027, with a $30 billion free cash flow boost by 2030, assuming Brent crude stays at $60 per barrel. Couple that with a 3.3% dividend yield, and Exxon has positioned itself as a rock-solid investment in a turbulent market.

Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B): Buffett’s Fortress of Stability

If there’s one company built to withstand market shocks, it’s Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. The investment powerhouse has gained 18.15% this year and 4.49% in the past month, recently hitting $532.99 per share.

Why the resilience? A record-breaking $334 billion in cash reserves has given Berkshire the ultimate safety net. This war chest, built through strategic sales of stocks like Apple and Bank of America, insulates the company from tariff-related volatility. While other firms scramble to adjust to higher costs and supply chain disruptions, Berkshire’s diverse portfolio—spanning insurance, railroads, manufacturing, energy, and retail—keeps it well-protected.

Investors see Berkshire as a safe haven, and Buffett’s steady hand continues to inspire confidence amid uncertainty.

What Happens Next?

With Trump set to announce more tariffs today (April 2, 2025), uncertainty looms over the market. However, Exxon Mobil and Berkshire Hathaway are proving that strong fundamentals and strategic positioning can weather even the toughest economic storms.

Will these stocks continue their upward trajectory, or will Trump’s next moves shake their resilience? Either way, they remain among the few bright spots in an otherwise rattled market.