U.S. stocks were broadly steady, but policy uncertainty and a pullback in high-valuation tech and AI names created a choppier market that weighed on many sentiment-driven and innovation-focused companies.

A rare pocket of high monthly income has emerged in ex-financial preferreds, creating an opening for investors looking to boost yield.

Gold’s rally above $4,000 shows strength amid tight supply and steady demand. Miners remain undervalued, offering potential opportunities if current market trends persist.

Markets extended gains in October as earnings strength, AI investment, and Fed easing supported sentiment, helping moat strategies show selective strength.

Gold hit record highs in 2025, driven by central bank demand, de-dollarization, and investor return.