U.S. trade policy has shifted dramatically over the past few weeks.

President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, fulfilling a central campaign promise to overhaul U.S. trade policy.

While the Republicans also took the Senate, the gains are not enough to pass the filibuster measure, limiting the likelihood of major policy changes.

As the Federal Reserve increased rates frm essentially 0% to 5%, the bond market experienced a significant fall.

Gold is not a panacea. The shiny metal has not performed as well as stocks or bonds in the last 33 years but does act as a diversifier in portfolios.

Stocks sprang to new highs led by surprising economic resilience and strong corporate profits, while bonds experienced a modest downturn as interest rates rose after markets scaled back interest rate cut expectations.

Investors sought safety in cash following the 2022 bear market driving a record of $6 trillion in cash.