Equity markets reached new heights this week as a series of positive economic reports and significant tech expansions fueled investor confidence. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed **370.44 points**, closing at **49,174.50**, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose **1.1%** to finish at **22,863.68**. The S&P 500 followed suit, gaining **0.8%** to settle at **6,890.07**. Corporate growth in the artificial intelligence sector remains a primary driver for these benchmarks. Major software and workplace platforms reported gains between **2.6%** and **4.1%** following the release of new enterprise-grade integrations. While most sectors participated in the rally, health care lagged slightly, declining **0.6%**. Market volatility, as measured by the VIX, dropped by **7%** to **19.55**, reflecting a temporary easing of investor anxiety. However, the S&P 500 continues to trade at a high valuation, with its CAPE ratio exceeding **40**, a level that historically signals potential long-term cooling. Treasury Yields and Federal Reserve Outlook The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note rose to **4.06%**, rebounding from three-month lows. This shift comes as the White House began implementing a **10%** global tariff on all imports. While the rate was lower than some feared, it has led to a re-evaluation of the Federal Reserve’s path. Money markets have significantly scaled back expectations for rate cuts. The probability of a reduction by June has fallen to **50%**, and previous forecasts for a third cut by the end of **2026** have largely disappeared. Current economic indicators show an unemployment rate of **4.3%** and inflation holding at **2.4%** for the start of the year. Commodities and Energy Energy markets experienced minor fluctuations following a massive surge in US crude inventories. Stocks rose by **16 million barrels**, far exceeding the expected **1.5 million** barrel increase. Consequently, Brent futures settled at **$70.65** per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) held at **$65.37**. Precious metals continue to serve as a primary hedge against trade uncertainty. Gold prices rose **0.5%** to **$5,175** per ounce. Institutional forecasts have grown increasingly bullish, with some major banks projecting gold to reach **$6,300** by the end of **2026** due to persistent inflation risks. Cryptocurrency Trends Bitcoin has shown signs of recovery, rallying above the **$66,000** mark. This move follows a period where its correlation with traditional stocks and gold was at its weakest since **2022**. Institutional interest remains robust, evidenced by **$258 million** in net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs during the most recent tracking period. The Coinbase Premium Index has turned positive for the first time since mid-January, suggesting that US-based buyers are returning to the market. Analysts suggest that if Bitcoin returns to its historical pattern of tracking equities during this economic expansion, there may be significant room for upward adjustment.