Aoifinn Devitt 1.9 3 ideas

The speaker explicitly stated, "We would see energy stocks as a fairly good safety trade. Not just traditional fossil fuels... but also... green energy stocks have done well because we do know that the demand for electricity and power is insatiable." The current geopolitical conflict has caused an oil price shock, but demand for power is structural and predates the conflict. Energy stocks, broadly defined, are positioned as shock absorbers in a volatile environment where traditional safe havens have not worked. LONG because these stocks offer relative safety and exposure to a non-discretionary, essential demand base during a period of high uncertainty and supply disruption. A rapid de-escalation of the Iran conflict and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp normalization of oil prices and reduced risk premium.

The speaker stated they "were cautious about recommending gold because of the potential technical factors affecting the volatility" driven by marginal buyers like central banks and Chinese retail investors. They added, "as to be moving in, tactically expecting it to act as insurance, we don't think it is likely to fulfill that insurance role." The volatility profile of gold has changed due to new, non-traditional buyers, making its price action less predictable and potentially undermining its classic role as a geopolitical hedge or portfolio insurance in the current crisis. AVOID for tactical investors seeking reliable insurance. While a small strategic allocation may be supported, the speaker advises against moving in tactically with that expectation. A severe escalation of the conflict triggering a classic, broad-based flight to safety that overrides the current technical volatility drivers.

Coinbase (COIN) shares rebounding despite a revenue miss; speaker identifies crypto infrastructure as a key "Picks and Shovels" trade. Regardless of Bitcoin's price action, the *need* to trade assets persists. COIN is the regulated infrastructure play (similar to the Grid for electricity). LONG. Betting on the casino (exchange), not the gambler (token price). Regulatory crackdown; prolonged "crypto winter" reducing volumes.