The Market’s Current Landscape: Strategies and Stocks for Savvy Traders

If you haven’t been paying attention, the stock market has been on a rocky ride over the past week. President Donald Trump’s announcement of unexpected and harsher tariff rates sent the S&P 500 into correction territory and pushed the Nasdaq down into bear market status—plummeting over 20% from recent highs. It’s a tumultuous time, and savvy traders need to reposition quickly.

Amidst the chaos, many businesses may face significant challenges due to these tariffs. Retailers that rely on imported products can expect a backlash, and banks could see rising default rates should tariffs ignite inflation or spark a recession. But while many stocks are reeling, the market’s downturn presents a golden opportunity for those with an eye for high-quality companies that show resilience even in challenging times. Here are three specific stocks that long-term investors should scrutinize for any potential dips in price.

A Specialty Insurer with Standing: Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL)

Let’s kick things off with Markel Corporation. The specialty insurance company is down 16% since hitting an all-time high just two months ago, but don’t be fooled—this decline is not without cause. Its extensive stock portfolio has been experiencing losses, and its venture capital arm is investing in cyclical businesses that contribute to the volatility. Still, Markel’s core insurance operations remain robust.

In the last quarter, Markel’s operating income surged by 27%, with a 25% increase in net investment income—a strong indicator of underlying health. The company’s management has initiated a comprehensive review to optimize their business operations and capital allocation, estimating an intrinsic value of $2,610 per share while currently trading about 33% lower. Add in a hefty $2 billion share buyback program and you have a stock that could offer significant upside potential as the market stabilizes.

Holding Steady: EPR Properties (NYSE: EPR)

Next up is EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust that specializes in experiential properties like movie theaters and ski resorts. While some of its tenants might feel the heat from tariffs and potential inflation, most of EPR’s tenants operate under long-term leases, which helps insulate the company’s cash flow from short-term disruptions.

EPR boasts a hefty 7.6% yield, paid monthly, and trades at about eight times its 2025 estimates for funds from operations (FFO)—the REIT equivalent of earnings. As interest rates decline amidst current market volatility, EPR might find it easier to secure growth capital at more favorable terms, making it a compelling pick for those eyeing dividend plays that are relatively shielded from external market shocks.

Commercial Real Estate Resilience: Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD)

Finally, let’s not overlook Walker & Dunlop. This commercial real estate leader has taken a hit, plummeting 35% below its 52-week high, but it comes with a portfolio worth noting. While the commercial real estate market is slow, and uncertainty reigns, the company’s $135 billion mortgage-servicing portfolio ensures predictable revenue even during economic downturns.

Walker & Dunlop is not just surviving; it’s also eating market share and exploring new verticals. With falling interest rates, the multifamily market could see revitalization, and there’s a whopping $526 billion in multifamily loans set to mature from 2025 to 2027—producing a trifecta of opportunities for refinancing in a lucrative sector. At a 3.4% dividend yield and a historically low earnings valuation of just 17.5 times forward earnings, this is a must-watch stock for aggressive traders looking for substantial recovery potential.

Conclusion: Build Your Long-Term Strategy

As a trader who is always on the lookout for opportunity amidst the noise, I own all three of these stocks in my own portfolio and plan to accumulate more shares if prices dip lower during this market turmoil. However, it’s essential to approach this environment with a long-term perspective. Even exceptional companies like these can experience volatility over shorter time frames, but patience may ultimately reward you handsomely.

So, whether you’re looking to invest a cool $1,000 or are ready to dive deeper into the stock market, take a close look at these solid companies. The current downturn may open the door to fantastic buying opportunities that can set you up for significant gains when the market turns back up.