Investors have survived a month of heightened volatility, brought on by Trump's tariffs, which captured their attention for most of April.
Last month, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced its largest one-day decline in five years. Trade uncertainty prompted investors to hit the sell button. However, fearless retail investors saw an opportunity. They bought the dip at record numbers, spurring an impressive rally.
Some ASX stocks were hit harder than others, particularly those expected to be most heavily impacted by the proposed tariffs.
Let's take a trip down memory lane and see how some of the most tariff-affected stocks are faring today.
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Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)
On 4 April, Breville Group cratered 9.5%. With the company manufacturing 90% of its products (by value) in China and selling 45% of its products into the US, the tariff announcement was not good news for Breville shareholders. Understandably, investors became concerned about the impact on profitability.
However, since 7 April, Breville's share price has surged almost 25%. Hopefully investors held onto their Breville shares (or even bought more in the dip). Breville has been a great long-term investment for shareholders, with its share price up nearly 60% in 5 years.
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)
On 2 April, Ansell shares dropped more than 14% in one day. In FY24, Ansell produced 42% of its revenue in the US. It manufactures its products in 14 facilities across nine different countries, with the largest being in Malaysia and Sri Lanka. In an April research note, Macquarie said Ansell is the "most exposed" to tariffs in its coverage universe.
However, like Breville, Ansell shares have lifted since 7 April. They now sit 12% higher, which is roughly in line with the ASX 200 Index.
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)
On 3 April, Lovisa shares sank 6%. With the fast-fashion retailer sourcing most of its products from China and more than a quarter of its stores based in the US, the tariff announcement was not well received by investors.
However, since 7 April, Lovisa shares have surged an impressive 36%. In April, Macquarie named Lovisa shares as one of its top picks in the retail sector. Those who took their advice and invested $10,000 on April 7 have made a $3,600 profit in just over a month. Better still, the broker has a $33.40 price target on Lovisa shares. This suggests there is further money to be made with the current share price at $28.50.
Foolish Takeaway
Just over one month later, the Liberation Day dip seems like a distant memory. Those who decided to be greedy when others were fearful have been well rewarded. Among the bravest investors were those who bought ASX stocks with the highest tariff exposure and uncertainty. In the case of Breville, Ansell, and Lovisa, that decision has certainly paid off.
