President Donald Trump’s tariffs are not sitting well with billionaire investors. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he warned that the “disruptive” nature of Trump’s tariff announcements were causing market instability and was making it difficult for both U.S. business and global trading partners to rely on America.
Who is Ray Dalio?
Ray Dalio is an American investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds. Founded in 1975, Bridgewater became known for its unique investment strategies, particularly its “Pure Alpha” strategy, which uses macroeconomic analysis to achieve high returns. Dalio’s approach combines data-driven insights with a deep understanding of economic cycles, especially regarding debt and market behavior.
READ: Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea, India among 10 countries to be hit by Trump’s tariffs on aluminum, steel (February 11, 2025)
Dalio is also an influential author, with his book “Principles: Life and Work” gaining significant attention. In it, he shares lessons on decision-making, leadership, and creating a successful life and business. His principles emphasize radical transparency, meritocracy, and open-mindedness in both business and personal life.
Beyond finance, Dalio frequently speaks on global economic issues and advocates for systems that promote equality and growth. He is considered one of the most successful investors of all time.
The U.S. is reportedly perilously close to entering a formal economic recession and could well be facing something much worse on the horizon, a billionaire investing expert said on Sunday.
“We are having profound changes in our domestic order […] and we’re having profound changes in the world order. Such times are very much like the 1930s,” said Dalio.
“So, if you take tariffs, if you take debt, if you take the rising power challenging existing power, if you take those factors and look at the factors – those changes in the orders, the systems, are very, very disruptive,” he continued. “How that’s handled could produce something that is much worse than a recession. Or it could be handled well.”