Tariff Shockwave 2025: US Stocks Crater While Canada Rides the Wave

Canadian stocks have collectively displayed resiliency against the US tariff shockwave in 2025.

| More on:

Trump’s tariffs and ensuing turmoil hurt Wall Street more than other global markets. Instead of booming, U.S. stocks cratered, with the S&P 500 losing around US$2 trillion in value to start April 2025. However, Canada’s stock market showed remarkable resilience despite the escalating trade tension.

As of this writing, the TSX is up 7.3%-plus year-to-date compared to the S&P 500 Index’s 2.4-plus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (+0.8%) and Nasdaq Composite (+2%) also underperformed, falling behind due to concerns about tariffs.

TSX stocks from various sectors continue to surge, notwithstanding the tariff-induced headwinds. Orla Mining (TSX:OLA) and Kits Eyecare (TSX:KITS) are among the high-flyers with unstoppable momentum.

Person slides down a stair handrail

Image source: Getty Images

Shining gold stock

Orla Mining is hard not to notice because of its stellar performance this year. At $14.84 per share, the year-to-date gain and trailing one-year price return are 86.4%-plus and 169.3%-plus, respectively. Had you invested $7,000 a year ago, your money would have grown to $18,851.49 today.

This $3.5 billion mining company has two operating gold mines and a development project. The Musselwhite mine in Ontario has been in operation for 28 years and is expected to continue producing for many years to come. Its strong cash flow generator is the Camino Rojo Mine in Mexico.

In Q1 2025, total gold production increased 43.8% year-over-year to 47,759 troy ounces (oz), a new quarterly production record. Revenue rose 109.1% to $140.7 million versus Q1 2024, although net loss reached $69.8 million compared to the $17.5 million net income a year ago.

Orla President and CEO Jason Simpson said, “Over the next two quarters, our focus will be on integrating Musselwhite, laying the foundation for long-term success.” The plan for the next 24 months is to invest significantly in exploration to reshape Musselwhite beyond 2030.

Industry leader

Making eye care easy and revolutionizing the eyewear industry is the mission of Kits Eyecare, a vertically integrated digital eyewear brand. The $444.3 million company offers a wide range of eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and vision care products. Performance-wise, the consumer discretionary stock has a market-beating return of 63.1%-plus thus far in 2025. If you invest today, the share price is $13.75. Market analysts recommend a buy rating for KITS. Their 12-month average price target is $17.79, a 29.4%-plus potential upside.

In Q1 2025, total revenue and glasses revenue increased by 34% and 46.4% respectively to $46.6 million and $6.6 million compared to Q1 2024, both new records. Net income jumped 2,566.7% year-over-year to $1.6 million. Also, during the quarter, the number of delivered glasses reached a record-breaking 104,000 pairs.

Roger Hardy, co-founder and CEO of KITS, said, “These results reflect the strength of our vertically integrated model and our team’s continued focus on operational efficiency. We remain confident in our ability to drive sustained profitable growth while advancing our mission to make eyecare easy.”

Management expects consistent and stable recurring customer orders to deliver recurring long-term earnings and profitability. The revenue forecast for Q2 2025 is between $48 million and $50 million.

Strong buys

Gold stocks, such as Orla Mining, are safe havens during times of economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, Kits Eyecare stands out and continues to garner a commanding share in a rapidly evolving market. U.S. tariffs have minimal or zero effect on these high-flying TSX stocks.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Kits Eyecare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Only Stock I’d Consider Buying in March 2026

Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX) still looks like a great bet, even if the trade is a bit overextended in March.

Read more »

people relax on mountain ledge
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks Every Long-Term Canadian Investor Should Consider

These three TSX names mix precious-metals upside, rent-backed income, and insurance-driven compounding for a decade-long “buy and hold” approach.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Stocks for Beginners

Everyone’s Talking About Them: How to Invest in Precious Metals in 2026

Miners and streamers offer different ways to invest in precious metals. Here’s how investors can approach gold and silver in…

Read more »

Map of Canada showing connectivity
Stocks for Beginners

Why Being “Not America” Is Actually an Advantage for Canadian Stocks Right Now

Canadian stocks are getting a “not America” bid, and Teck is a straightforward way to play it through copper.

Read more »

Technology circuit board and core, 3d rendering.
Metals and Mining Stocks

“Red Gold” Rush: 3 Copper Stocks Powering the AI Boom

A red gold rush is underway in 2026 with three Canadian mining powerhouses expected to power the AI boom.

Read more »

Yellow caution tape attached to traffic cone
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canadian Investors: Read This Warning Before Investing in a Gold or Silver Fund

Here's the difference between gold and silver ETFs versus CEFs, and why I like the former more.

Read more »

space ship model takes off
Top TSX Stocks

This TSX Stock Has Already Soared 41% in 2026: Can it Keep Going?

Agnico Eagle Mines has rallied off of soaring gold prices. As my favourite TSX gold stock to own, it's ideal…

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Smart Money Is Betting on Canadian Infrastructure Right Now

Explore the importance of infrastructure investment in Canada and its impact on resource exports and economic growth.

Read more »