As geopolitical tensions escalate with the ongoing Iran conflict that began in late February 2026, investors face heightened market volatility, disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and uncertainty about energy prices and global growth. The war, involving the US, Israel, Iran, and proxy forces, has already triggered sharp but temporary market drops followed by rebounds in certain sectors.
In response, GOBankingRates interviewed several investing experts to get practical advice on portfolio positioning amid the crisis. Here’s a breakdown of their key recommendations and the broader strategies emerging from the situation.
Shipping and Tanker Stocks Stand Out
One of the clearest beneficiaries of the conflict has been the global shipping industry. Rerouting around dangerous waters and higher insurance costs have driven up shipping rates significantly.
Vince Stanzione highlighted the SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) as a strong play. The ETF provides exposure to tanker companies, including heavy holdings in names like Frontline (FRO). At the time of the interviews, BOAT was up more than 26% year-to-date and offered an attractive dividend yield near 6%.
Tech Giants Remain Attractive
Despite the turmoil, several experts continue to favor high-quality growth stocks. Phil DeAngelo pointed to the Magnificent 7 — Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), Tesla (TSLA), and Nvidia (NVDA) — noting that they appeared “cheap” relative to their strong fundamentals and earnings power. The long-term tailwinds from artificial intelligence were seen as likely to persist once the immediate geopolitical noise subsides.
Safe-Haven Plays: Treasurys and Gold
In times of crisis, money often flows into traditional safe assets. Cody Schuiteboer recommended US Treasurys, citing strong demand for dollar-denominated assets and still-appealing yields even as inflation concerns linger. Government bonds have historically performed well during risk-off periods.
Gold also earned mentions as a classic hedge against geopolitical uncertainty and potential inflation spikes, although its performance has been mixed due to shifting interest rate expectations and dollar strength.
Other Considerations
For more conservative investors, particularly retirees, some experts suggested fixed index annuities. These products offer principal protection while still providing limited upside participation in market gains.
Beyond the quoted experts, broader market analysis points to potential strength in energy stocks (due to oil price volatility) and defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, RTX, and General Dynamics, which often see increased demand during periods of heightened conflict.
Important Caveats for Investors
While these ideas reflect current expert sentiment, markets remain unpredictable. Geopolitical events can shift rapidly, and what looks like a clear opportunity today may change tomorrow. History shows that markets eventually recover from such shocks, but timing them perfectly is extremely difficult.
Diversification, a long-term perspective, and avoiding panic-driven decisions remain the most reliable approaches for most investors. Low-cost, broad-market index funds continue to serve as a solid foundation for building wealth through uncertain times.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on your individual financial situation, risk tolerance, and goals. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any changes to your portfolio. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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