It may be time to get 'bullish' as 2025 winds down, reasons to invest outside the US

Market Overview - Major stock indices are experiencing gains, with the Dow and S&P 500 up approximately 0.8% and the NASDAQ nearly 1% [2][3] - If the current trend continues, the NASDAQ could end a three-week losing streak, marking its first positive week in four weeks [3] - Cryptocurrency market shows a rebound, with Bitcoin rising 3.5% to around $90,000, indicating a significant recovery from last week [5] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Reserve's Beige Book indicates a slowdown in consumer spending and hiring, alongside rising prices [7][8] - Consumer spending has declined due to factors like the government shutdown, with retail sales also showing weaker performance [8] - The job market is showing signs of deterioration, with increased layoff announcements and hiring freezes [9] - Inflation is reported to have a moderate increase, with businesses facing higher costs due to tariffs [11][12] Global Investment Opportunities - Investors are encouraged to consider global markets, as non-US assets may benefit from a weakening dollar [15][17] - Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, are highlighted as potential areas for investment, especially in sectors linked to AI [19][21] - The AI sector remains a key focus, with expectations for continued growth and investment opportunities [27][29] Value Stocks and Investment Strategies - Value stocks are defined as those priced low relative to earnings, assets, or cash flow, presenting potential upside [33][34] - Caution is advised against value traps, where stocks appear cheap but are declining due to deteriorating business fundamentals [34][35] - A strategy for identifying value stocks includes using filters like price-to-earnings ratios and dividend yields [36][39] Company-Specific Insights - Zscaler reported a 26% growth in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and a strong free cash flow margin of 52% [80][81] - The company is focusing on cybersecurity, particularly in the context of AI, as enterprises seek to secure their AI applications [91][92] - Zscaler's competitive landscape is evolving, with a focus on zero trust architecture as a differentiator from traditional firewall solutions [88][89] AI and Technology Sector - The AI sector is experiencing significant demand, with companies like Nvidia leading the charge in chip production for AI applications [63][70] - Analysts express confidence in the long-term growth of AI, viewing it as a transformative technology across various sectors [27][66] - Companies are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, with tangible productivity improvements noted in customer support and software development [95][96]