Last Thursday morning, before the market even opened, headlines were already setting the tone for the day.
And by the time the bell rang?
Boom!
Momentum exploded, and some tickers moved faster than most traders could react.
Events like this don’t happen every day, but when they do, they shake the entire market, trigger fresh opportunities, and reward the traders who are actually prepared.
As for another game-changing event, do you know what’s coming for major AI player, Nvidia?
CEO Jensen Huang is about to announce something that will disrupt everything.
Nothing will be the same after this…
Fortunately, my colleague and legendary trader, Tim Sykes, has a handle on it and knows exactly what you need to do BEFORE this happens.
Find out in his video below…
Successfully playing last Thursday’s shakeup isn’t about luck…
It’s about understanding why the moves are happening, spotting the setups early, and knowing how to react when a window of opportunity opens.
Today, I’ll explain the market shift and how you can position yourself for what comes next.
Table of Contents
What Trump’s Tariffs Mean for the Market
President Trump’s long-promised tariffs went live last week, and whether you’re for them or against them, one thing is certain:
The market is moving.
As of August 7, here’s what the new tariff policy includes:
- 10% universal tariff on all imported goods
New tax incentives and protections for U.S. manufacturing — with a spotlight on steel, semiconductors, and industrials
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Now, this might sound like a political headline, but for traders, it’s a market-moving catalyst with massive implications.
As traders, our job isn’t to debate policy or play politics.
How to Trade Tariff-Driven Volatility (Without Getting Chopped Up)
If you’re going to trade these moves, you need a game plan.
Here’s how I recommend approaching it…
Don’t Chase the First Spike:
Let the market digest the news. Wait for clean setups, volume confirmation, and technical levels before diving in.
Look for Sympathy Plays:
It’s not just about the big names…
When sector momentum hits, low-float runners in related sectors often follow. These are prime setups for day trades.
Ignore Your Emotions and Stay News-Driven:
Use tools like Breaking News Chat to stay ahead of real alerts. Ignore social media hype and react to facts, not fear.
Focus on Repeatable Moves:
Look for the high-quality, high-probability setups I teach.
These setups work, especially on momentum catalysts.
All my core setups are laid out and explained in my 10 Trading Patterns You Need To Know eBook. This resource is a must-have in every trader’s toolkit!
My Post-Tariff Watchlist
Here are a few tickers and sectors I’m watching closely.
Industrial and Infrastructure
- Vulcan Materials (NYSE: VMC):
A higher-priced U.S. construction aggregates supplier. Swing setup.
Use options if the stock’s too pricey.
- Smart Sand (NASDAQ: SND):
A small-cap U.S. energy play.
Penny stock that reacts well to sector strength.
Metals and Materials
- Cleveland Cliffs (NYSE: CLF):
Leading U.S. steel name. Strong swing setup on tariff tailwinds.
Aerospace, Defense, and Security Tech
- Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO):
Also on my drone stock watchlist, DPRO operates in the defense/public safety space.
Watch for day trade triggers.
Tech and Semiconductors
- Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL):
Large cap that’s a great swing-trade idea, or a great options trade.
Why do I like it so much?
CEO Tim Cook just sidestepped a major threat by committing $100 billion in U.S. investment, helping Apple avoid a 100% tariff on imported chips.
It’s a calculated, strategic move that helps Apple avoid producing a fully “Made in USA” product without losing any ground.
My Final Thoughts…
These tariffs are finally real, and they’re moving money around the market.
For traders with a plan, it’s a goldmine of opportunity.
Stick to what works:
- Recognize strong setups
- Respect your risk
- Trade with conviction, not emotion
Tariffs might be a political talking point, but trading them is all about execution.
Let the rest of the world debate…
We’ll be on the front lines, watching for the next move.
Have a great day, everyone. See you back here tomorrow.
Tim Bohen
Lead Trainer, StocksToTrade
P.S.
Do you understand the magnitude of the AI revolution?
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If you’re not already doing this, you’re not really trading.