How to protect your investments when prices keep rising

Inflation stays higher than expected, with consumer prices up nearly 4% in the past year and wholesale costs climbing even faster. That makes traditional safe bets like US Treasury bonds and big tech stocks look shaky. Experts now suggest looking beyond the usual choices to shield against rising costs. Real assets—like metals, energy, and even nuclear power—are getting renewed attention from investors. Companies tied to raw materials have been doing well lately. Copper hit record highs, and oil prices stay high because of global tensions. Funds focused on mining and pipelines are trading cheaper than usual, which could mean good deals for buyers. Three ETFs stand out: one for basic materials, another for pipelines, and a third for uranium. All three have gained over 20% this year while keeping fees low.Nuclear energy is also getting a fresh look. Uranium prices might keep climbing, reaching levels not seen in decades. Investors are diving into uranium-focused ETFs, hoping to catch the upward trend early. These funds give out dividends too, adding extra income. Smaller company stocks get a thumbs-up as well, especially those priced below average. International small-cap value funds are also gaining traction. These picks have already delivered strong returns this year, beating many larger, pricier stocks.