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The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

2025 was a historically strong year for markets despite the many events that took place along the way. The past year delivered no shortage of headlines including April's tariff announcements, ongoing developments in artificial intelligence stocks, the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and more. Yet through it all, investors are likely happy as U.S. stocks rose to new record highs, international markets outperformed, and bonds continued their rebound. The S&P 500 has now generated double-digit returns in six of the past seven years and has nearly doubled in value since the market bottom in 2022.

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. President Trump stated in a press conference that the United States will "run" Venezuela and work to expand its oil production. While the humanitarian and geopolitical implications for the Venezuelan people and the region are most important, investors may naturally wonder: What do the actions in Venezuela mean for their portfolios? The move raises many questions around the role of the U.S. in the region, whether this will pave the way for democratic elections in Venezuela? the effect on the narcotics trade? if oil production will increase meaningfully, and how it will impact the sphere of influence of countries like Iran and China?

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

What are the Key Market and Economic Drivers for November? The stock market continued its strong performance in October despite uncertainty from a government shutdown and renewed trade tensions with China early in the month. Many major indices reached new all-time highs after recovering from a brief period of volatility. Bonds also contributed positively to portfolios as interest rates declined, fueled partly by the Federal Reserve's second consecutive rate cut.