Summer's here, and with it comes the season of first loves, beach flings… and dramatic bust-ups.

Teenagers everywhere are learning that relationships can be intoxicating one moment and  ice-cold the next. The highs are euphoric. The lows feel like the world is ending. And it's usually not long before "forever" turns into "it's complicated".

Which brings us to Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Two of the world's biggest personalities. Two towering egos. Two men who were once prone to very public displays of admiration. Trump called Musk a "genius"  and Musk wore a cap emblazoned with “Trump was right about everything”. And  now? A very public falling out. Accusations. Name-calling. And headlines that wouldn't be out of place in a teenage diary.

But there's a playbook here. Especially when it comes to Donald Trump.

Whether it's negotiating real estate deals, international treaties or the loyalty of  allies, his style often follows a familiar pattern, which we’ve summarised in the table below. It’s an approach that can feel chaotic but is often calculated.

This latest drama might feel new, but it's just another loop on the rollercoaster. The real question: will they patch things up? Probably. Trump may walk out – but he rarely walks away for good. Especially if there's something in it for him.

As investors, it's tempting to get caught up in the emotional waves – to react to every headline, every social media post, every jab. But just like first love, it's rarely wise to make long-term decisions based on short-term feelings.

That's where diversification comes in.

Key takeaway

Multi-asset portfolios help smooth the ride. Blending different asset classes – such as equities, bonds and alternative investments like gold – is designed to help absorb shocks and keep portfolios on track through all seasons, not just the summer of love.

Because while you can't predict when egos will clash, or when love will turn to loathing, you can benefit from a portfolio designed to help navigate the twists and turns of an unpredictable world.

Find out more about our multi-asset solution

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This article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as personal financial advice to invest in any fund or product. These are the investment manager’s views at the time of writing and should not be construed as investment advice. The opinions expressed are correct at time of writing and may be subject to change. Capital is at risk. The value and income from investments can go down as well as up and are not guaranteed. An investor may get back significantly less than they invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future performance and should not be the sole factor considered when selecting funds.