From Our Point of View

In this Chief Investment Officer Briefing, Freedom Family Office examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, market valuations, and fiscal policy. Our CIO provides a data-grounded view on whether AI-related equities reflect lasting innovation or speculative excess, the role of gold and bitcoin as long-term hedges, and key indicators to watch as markets evolve. The piece reinforces our philosophy: stay intentional, stay diversified, and let evidence—not emotion—guide financial decisions.

U.S. stocks extended gains as investors welcomed upbeat earnings and easing trade tensions. Cooling inflation data reinforced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next week, while global markets advanced on strong corporate results and political developments in Asia and Europe.

Major U.S. indexes ended higher after a volatile week dominated by trade headlines, early bank earnings, and credit market concerns. Bonds rallied, gold surged, and investors turned cautious ahead of more Fed data and corporate results.

Stocks slipped after a week marked by tariff headlines, global political developments, and fresh Federal Reserve commentary. Utilities outperformed while Energy lagged, as investors weighed inflation, trade, and the economic outlook heading into key data releases.

Markets opened the final quarter of 2025 on solid footing as healthcare and technology shares lifted U.S. equities despite a government shutdown. Falling oil prices and soft labor data boosted expectations for Fed rate cuts and extended gold’s rally.

Equities eased off all-time highs as inflation cooled and oil prices lifted energy stocks. With bonds adjusting to Fed policy shifts and housing showing resilience, investors now look to jobs data in the week ahead.