End Of Quarter Review & What's Next For Stocks?

Market Overview - The stock market is trading at or near record highs, indicating that bulls are in control and suggesting a potential for further upward movement [3][15] - The S&P 500 experienced a significant rally, increasing by 38% from its low in April 2025 to a record high in September 2025, driven primarily by technology and AI stocks [10] Economic Policies and Market Reactions - President Trump's return to the White House in January 2025 initiated a series of bold economic policies, including the most comprehensive tariff package in modern American history, which initially caused a sharp decline in stock prices [5][6][7] - The market rebounded after the tariffs were lowered and extended, with April 2025 being marked as "Liberation Day," showcasing the market's resilience and forward-looking nature [9] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in years, which is seen as a bullish sign for both Main Street and Wall Street, with expectations of further rate cuts [11] Geopolitical Factors - Geopolitical tensions, including ongoing negotiations with China and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, did not deter market growth, highlighting the American market's adaptability [12] IPO and Small/Mid Cap Stocks - The IPO market has shown signs of improvement in 2025, with increased venture capital flow and a rise in new stock offerings [13] - Small and mid-cap stocks began to rally in Q3 2025 after a period of dormancy, with the Russell 2000 index showing a 9% increase year-to-date, primarily driven by the Fed's rate cut announcement [14]