Despite every market indicator pointing toward the need for a major market correction, the U.S. stock market continued to rise in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 2.4 percent at the close and 17 percent for the year. For the quarter, large cap stocks rose 2.7 percent, small cap stocks rose 2.2 percent, foreign stocks grew 4.9 percent, and U.S. bonds rose 1.4 percent. As of December, the rate of inflation was about 2.7 percent.
Despite continued threats of tariffs, the U.S. soared in the third quarter of 2025, reaching record highs and rising about eight percent for the period and up 35 percent since its low in April. These record returns have, once again, been achieved in large part by artificial intelligence companies and tech in general. Despite headwinds
In the second quarter of 2025, the looming possibility of high tariffs continued to play a significant role in driving the U.S. and global economies. However, the trade policy worst-case scenarios championed by the current administration have yet to materialize, as they continue to threaten— but ultimately back away from—their most severe tariff policies. Tech
The first quarter of 2025 has been a rollercoaster for investors, with the market reacting to the ever-evolving and often conflicting changes implemented since the new administration took control. For the quarter, large-company stock declined by 4.3 percent, small-company stock fell 9.5 percent, while foreign stock grew by 6.9 percent. Countering trends in the domestic