President Trump’s long-anticipated “Liberation Day” tariffs have landed — and traders are wasting no time identifying stocks positioned to benefit or react with explosive volatility.
This new round of import duties includes a 25% tariff on autos, expanded metals tariffs, and reciprocal duties targeting trade-heavy countries like China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico. The market is already on edge, with the S&P 500 down over 8% from February highs and the VIX near its highest level in weeks.
As always, volatility creates opportunity. And that’s exactly what we’re watching for now.
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Remember — I’ll only trade a stock if a high-potential setup materializes. Here are 7 stocks to watch as tariff-fueled momentum takes over the market…
1. Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: CLF) — Domestic Steel on the Front Line
Cleveland-Cliffs is a frontline steel name in the tariff trade. The company has been a vocal supporter of protectionist policies, and a 25% steel import tax plays right into its domestic supply chain strategy.
Why it’s in focus:
- Direct beneficiary of U.S. steel tariffs
- Consistent price reaction to macro trade headlines
- Often shows strong premarket volume on political news
What to watch: Key breakout levels and VWAP reclaim patterns. CLF tends to trend when the macro narrative supports it. Let price lead.
2. United States Steel Corp. (NYSE: X) — Volatility From Two Angles
United States Steel isn’t just riding the tariff wave — it’s also locked in a geopolitical battle over its pending acquisition by Japan’s Nippon Steel. That combination has put a target on this stock for news-driven traders.
Why it’s in focus:
- Strong correlation with tariff headlines
- Political heat around foreign acquisition adds fuel
- Recent trend breaks make it a technical watch
What to watch: Round numbers and sympathy moves with CLF. Expect volume to follow headlines.
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3. Century Aluminum (NASDAQ: CENX) — Aluminum Name With Room to Run
CENX is the obvious aluminum play when tariffs hit. A 25% import duty makes domestic aluminum more competitive — and that puts Century in a position to catch the next sector move.
Why it’s in focus:
- Direct beneficiary of aluminum import tariffs
- Tight enough float to move on momentum
- Repeat spiker in past trade cycles
What to watch: Early premarket moves and breakouts above resistance. Use key levels to manage risk and target trades near major volume spikes.
4. American Rebel Holdings (NASDAQ: AREB) — Today’s Media-Fueled Supernova
AREB erupted more than 100% intraday following news that its CEO would be making TV appearances and meeting with potential investors at Mar-a-Lago. The market loves anything tied to media exposure and expansion headlines — and AREB had both.
Why it’s in focus:
- Media tour across key Florida TV stations and investor meetings
- Expansion into Florida’s beer market, one of the nation’s largest
- Float under 5 million shares gives it breakout potential
What to watch: Rapid-fire volume shifts, circuit halts, and morning breakout entries. This is the type of ticker that can move fast — and squeeze harder when shorts pile in.
5. Reborn Coffee Inc. (NASDAQ: REBN) — The Low Float That Loves Volatility
REBN popped over 100%* during the initial round of Trump tariff rumors. The float is tiny, and it thrives in uncertain, news-heavy markets. This is a pure volatility setup.
Why it’s in focus:
- Low float (under 2 million shares)
- History of reacting to macro headlines
- Shows up regularly on StocksToTrade’s Top % Gainers scan
What to watch: Classic morning panic dip buys and afternoon breakouts. Wait for the pattern — don’t chase.
6. Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) — Used Cars May Win Big
Tariffs on imported autos are already raising expectations for price increases in new vehicles. That could push buyers toward used cars — and Carvana is one of the most recognized names in that space.
Why it’s in focus:
- Demand may shift toward used inventory
- Already showing strong YTD performance
- Reacts well to news around auto pricing and supply chains
What to watch: Look for sector sympathy across auto and consumer finance. CVNA trades like a momentum tech name — pay attention to volume surges.
7. Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR) — Discount Retail in an Inflation Wave
As prices rise due to import duties, cost-conscious consumers may shift even further into the discount space. DLTR is uniquely positioned, especially after divesting its Family Dollar brand and focusing on higher-margin inventory.
Why it’s in focus:
- Inflation-resistant retail model
- Value-driven brand seeing rising demand across all income levels
- Could benefit from trade-down spending patterns
What to watch: This is a swing trade setup more than an intraday spike. Monitor earnings commentary and macro pressure on consumer staples.
* Past performance doesn’t indicate future results.
Final Thoughts
Tariffs create uncertainty — and traders thrive in uncertain markets. Whether you’re trading steel, autos, or small-cap momentum, the key is sticking to setups you trust and adapting to fast-moving headlines.
This is a market tailor-made for traders who are prepared. Momentum stocks thrive on volatility, but it’s up to you to capitalize on it. Stick to your plan, manage your risk, and don’t let FOMO drive your decisions.
These opportunities are fast and unpredictable, but with the right strategy, you can make them work for you.
If you want to know what I’m looking for—check out my free webinar here!