Tariff Shock and 5 Stocks Investors Are Watching Closely Post-Close

After a strong start to the month, markets took a step back as investors digested a flurry of trade announcements from the White House. 

President Trump confirmed a sweeping new round of tariffs on 14 countries, including key trading partners in Asia and Africa, while also issuing an executive order delaying implementation of “reciprocal” duties to August 1.

Although the initial response was negative, many market participants remain optimistic that the upcoming earnings season may help mitigate the uncertainty.

Treasury yields remain supportive, and there’s growing confidence that large caps, especially those tied to AI or global infrastructure, can navigate the shifting trade dynamics.

As we head into the thick of July trading, here are five stocks that stood out Tuesday:

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Sandstorm Gold | SAND

Price: $9.75

Sandstorm Gold surged this week, nearing its 52-week high after a sharp 6.4% gain on Monday, supported by rising gold demand and expanding drilling activity across its royalty portfolio.

Investors have taken notice of Sandstorm’s impressive 79% YTD gain, fueled by both exploration catalysts and renewed interest in defensive, hard asset plays amid macro uncertainty.

The company’s recent earnings revealed a healthy EBIT margin of 30.1%, accompanied by consistent operating cash flow and minimal leverage.

Its dividend, steady at CA$0.02, offers a modest but stable return for income-oriented investors, while its low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24 provides flexibility for future project financing.

Despite a lofty P/E of 96, investors are pricing in long-term upside from resource development and upstream growth.

If gold prices remain firm and inflation hedging stays in vogue, Sandstorm could remain a favorite among gold-exposed equities.

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Vale S.A. | VALE

Price: $9.99

VALE is up nearly 12% year-to-date and continues to attract investor interest despite volatility in iron ore markets.

The Brazilian mining giant trades at just 7.3 times forward earnings and boasts an 8.4% dividend yield, making it one of the more attractive large-cap income plays in the commodity sector.

While Q1 results showed some weakness, with revenue down 4% and EPS missing estimates, forward guidance remains stable.

Analysts expect earnings of $1.77 per share for 2025 and $1.98 in 2026, supported by improved production efficiency and stabilization in China-related demand.

New tariff threats could cloud the near-term export outlook, especially if broader BRICS-aligned policy measures are implemented.

But for long-term investors seeking exposure to global infrastructure and steel cycle recovery, VALE may still offer compelling value.

Applied Digital | APLD

Price: $9.22

APLD pulled back more than 7% on Monday, cooling off after a red-hot June that saw shares gain over 50%.

The retreat came amid light volume and profit-taking, but analysts remain bullish. 

The company holds a Buy rating from 11 firms and boasts a consensus price target of $12.73, buoyed by the $7 billion CoreWeave partnership and the ongoing expansion of its AI and HPC data center footprint.

Despite steep losses and rising depreciation from facility buildouts, Applied Digital’s revenue trajectory remains strong.

It posted $52.9 million last quarter, and expectations for infrastructure-driven cash flow remain elevated heading into the second half of the year.

APLD’s high beta and leveraged balance sheet increase risk, but for investors betting on the secular growth of AI infrastructure, the stock could remain a speculative favorite with significant potential upside, assuming execution holds.

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Banco Bradesco | BBD

Price: $3.06

Banco Bradesco is riding high with a 55% YTD return, bolstered by improving financials and a dividend yield of over 7%.

The Brazilian bank’s payout ratio remains just 7%, leaving plenty of room for future hikes.

Its valuation is also appealing, trading at only 9.3 times forward earnings compared to its peers.

Analysts expect earnings per share to rise 18% this year, supported by stable credit quality and substantial fee income.

Bradesco has increased its dividend four times in the last five years, and the bank is poised to benefit if Latin American sentiment improves.

The bigger wildcard may be Trump’s new trade threats against BRICS-aligned countries. If rhetoric turns into policy, Brazil’s financial sector could face volatility.

Still, Bradesco’s core fundamentals and low valuation make it a potential value pick with income appeal.

CNH Industrial | CNH

Price: $13.70

CNH continues to march higher, posting a 21% YTD gain despite weak tractor demand and macro headwinds.

Management’s long-term roadmap has helped boost sentiment, with targets including higher margins, increased recurring revenue from Precision Ag, and aggressive upgrades to the dealer network.

Investors were encouraged by last month’s Investor Day, where CNH reiterated its 2030 goals for achieving double-digit EBIT margins and generating strong free cash flow.

Near-term challenges remain, particularly in North America and Europe, but the company is executing well in terms of inventory reductions and modest price increases to offset rising input costs.

Tariffs are a clear overhang, and CNH’s revised guidance reflects this, with EPS forecasts ranging from $0.50 to $0.70, depending on policy outcomes. 

However, in the long term, CNH may position itself as one of the more tech-enabled industrial players, with Precision Ag and smart equipment upgrades offering potential for margin expansion.

The market’s initial reaction to Trump’s latest tariff announcement was subdued but uncertain.

While the scope of affected countries widened, the delay to August 1 may give investors time to digest and reposition, especially ahead of earnings season.

In the meantime, selectivity remains the dominant factor.

Gold-linked names, such as Sandstorm, AI infrastructure plays like APLD, and income stalwarts like Bradesco, are drawing attention.

Industrial cyclicals, such as CNH, remain in play, albeit with some risk.

This is a market where headlines move fast, but fundamentals and forward guidance are what ultimately matter.

As more earnings trickle in, we’ll get a clearer picture of which stocks can navigate the noise and which can’t.