US stock markets close out 2025 on a high note
Despite a bumpy last day, US stock markets wrapped up 2025 with impressive double-digit gains.
The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all finished the year higher overall—even as December brought its share of ups and downs.
It's been a wild ride for investors, but the big picture was solid growth.
Dollar drops, gold shines, and investors adapt
The US dollar saw its biggest drop since 2017 thanks to interest rate cuts and tariff shifts.
Meanwhile, gold prices soared to their highest in over four decades and silver had a standout year too—indicating that when things get uncertain, people often turn to classic safe bets.
Rising Treasury yields followed a labor market report showing an unexpected dip in applications for unemployment benefits, suggesting some confidence in the economy's recovery despite all the twists and turns.