After a vibrant three weeks spent in Zimbabwe, immersed in diverse business conversations and everyday life, returning to Canada offers the perfect vantage point for reflecting on the global pulse of financial markets.
For followers of Streetwise Economics, I have summarised some of the insights gained during my stay—look out for new market content dropping soon on my YouTube channel, where I share lessons that connect Harare to Wall Street.
2025 has delivered impressive gains for US stocks. The S&P 500 is up over 15% year-to-date, driven by relentless strength in technology and growth shares. However, markets have cooled this week, as investors dial back risk and watch for cues from the Federal Reserve regarding upcoming policy shifts. Volatility has crept higher, but for disciplined investors, such pullbacks present opportunities and lessons in patience.
Artificial intelligence remains the dominant narrative for US equities. AI-linked stocks have been outstanding performers this year, with Palantir (PLTR) rallying on enterprise adoption, NVIDIA (NVDA) leading the semiconductor charge in AI hardware, and AMD making headlines through fresh partnerships and innovation. These stocks have captured investor imagination and contributed disproportionately to the S&P 500’s impressive advance.
A unique challenge currently faces US investors: key economic data releases are suspended due to an ongoing government shutdown. This “data blackout” means professionals and everyday traders alike must operate in an environment of heightened uncertainty, using less official information and relying more on earnings reports and global signals. With payroll and inflation reports postponed, pivoting to alternative sources of insight has never been more critical.
Amid global uncertainty and mixed signals from central banks, gold prices have soared—blasting through the US$4 000 an ounce level for the first time ever in early October. The surge reflects strong demand for safe-haven assets, as investors hedge against policy risks, monetary instability, and even potential shocks from fiscal disruptions.
My recent time in Zimbabwe reaffirmed the universal nature of financial literacy, risk awareness, and the search for opportunity. From conversations with local market vendors to meetings with property developers, I witnessed creative approaches to wealth-building and saw first-hand how economic challenges breed resilience and innovation. These themes—adaptability, discipline, and community—are just as vital for a US stock trader as for anyone managing assets in Zimbabwe.
For those keen to hear more Zimbabwe insights, visit my YouTube channel Streetwise Economics for a fresh summary here https://tinyurl.com/5ydrzdxb, and stay tuned for practical content aimed at helping Zimbabwean and global investors navigate today’s fast-moving markets.
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For readers ready to take investing to the next level, I offer tailored coaching on trading and investing. Whether novice or advanced, Streetwise Economics provides step-by-step guidance, grounded in practical experience, for anyone seeking to build lasting wealth. Visit www.streetwiseeconomics.com to learn more, and subscribe to the YouTube channel for regular updates, tutorials, and market outlooks.
Until next time, trade and invest wisely and may the markets be on your side.
