When the markets tremble, money moves. Fast.

This past week, a wave of tariff announcements from the Trump administration sent U.S. markets into a tailspin—$7.7 trillion wiped out, a rebound, then another dip. It’s the kind of volatility that makes headlines. But behind the scenes, America’s wealthiest investors are making quiet but calculated moves.

And if you're serious about building long-term wealth, it’s worth paying attention.

The Confidence Shift: From “U.S. First” to “What Else Is Out There?”

For years, U.S. equities were the undisputed champion of global investing. Tech giants, high liquidity, and a relatively stable regulatory environment made the U.S. the go-to allocation for portfolios worldwide.

But now? Uncertainty is creeping in—even at the highest wealth levels.

Wealth managers from firms advising clients with $100M+ are hearing the same question on repeat: “Is American exceptionalism over?”

Some key moves high-net-worth individuals are making:

• Reducing U.S. equity exposure, especially in tariff-sensitive sectors like tech and manufacturing

• Shifting capital into money-market accounts for safety and liquidity

• Increasing exposure to international markets—Europe, Japan, and even foreign currencies

• Exploring fixed income opportunities amid bond selloffs

It’s not just about hedging anymore. It’s about redefining what a “safe” or “growth-oriented” portfolio looks like in a world where policy swings can move trillions overnight.

Wealth Preservation Over Wild Bets

One entrepreneur profiled, Chris Ciunci, sold 15 individual stocks—including Nike and Applied Materials—and exited a North American software ETF. Why? Not because he doesn’t believe in U.S. innovation, but because he sees structural risk in a system increasingly driven by political headlines, not macro fundamentals.

He moved some cash into money-market funds. Not sexy, but steady.

Another investor, Doug Johnson, a member of the elite Tiger 21 network, is diversifying globally—but keeping one foot firmly planted in the U.S. “We really have to be across the board in all opportunities to position ourselves for wealth preservation,” he said.

This isn’t panic. It’s recalibration.

When Everyone’s Nervous, Some Start Buying

Not every wealthy investor is heading for the exits.

Take Ken Wagnon, an 86-year-old retired franchisee and longtime Trump supporter. He watched the tariff list roll out on TV, saw the market turn red—and dialed up his broker to buy.

His reasoning? “The stock market overreacts.” He’s playing the long game, scooping up quality companies at what he sees as discount prices.

This kind of investor psychology—buying when others are fearful—is a hallmark of long-term wealth building. It doesn’t mean ignoring macro risks. It means understanding your time horizon and investing accordingly.

What This Means for You

You might not be managing a $100 million portfolio, but the same principles apply:

1. Don’t invest based on emotion
Market drops can be stressful, but reactive decisions rarely pay off. Have a strategy and stick to it.

2. Diversification isn’t just buzz—use it
Don't be 100% U.S.-equity or 100% tech. Consider fixed income, international exposure, and non-correlated assets.

3. Think in decades, not days
UBS data shows that after every 20% drop in the S&P 500 since 1945, markets rebounded with an average 53% gain over five years.

4. Keep dry powder
Cash—or liquid equivalents—can be an offensive tool. When others sell in panic, you’re positioned to buy strategically.

5. Use tools that simplify complexity
Platforms like Surmount help you visualize, test, and automate strategies so you don’t have to rebuild your portfolio from scratch when macro conditions change.

We’re entering a new investing era—one where adaptability matters more than allegiance. Whether it’s tariffs today or rate hikes tomorrow, the investors who come out ahead will be the ones with playbooks, not panic.

At Surmount, we’re building the tools to help you make data-driven decisions in moments like these.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only and not an offer or solicitation for any specific investments. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Consult with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.