In 2025, financial markets have seen significant gains but also face volatility due to AI excitement, trade disputes, and geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 is up 19%, Dow Jones 16%, and Nasdaq-100 23%. Technology sectors lead, with NVIDIA and Alphabet driving gains. Gold and silver have surged, with mining ETFs performing well. Critical materials like uranium and lithium are in high demand for electric vehicles and defense systems. Geopolitical tensions are boosting defense spending worldwide, especially in Europe. European defense stocks are up as countries invest in AI and cyber defenses.

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