Money with Murphy - Solid-footing: Stability, New Highs and the Road to 2026
October 21, 2025
Markets regained their footing in the third quarter, with stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate all posting gains and nearly every S&P 500 sector ending the period higher.
A stable U.S. dollar, new tax legislation, and easing tariff concerns helped fuel the rally, especially in tech and emerging markets. At the same time, labor market softening and a Fed rate cut supported bonds, while investors shifted focus to upcoming earnings guidance on AI spending and tariffs. With more rate cuts expected, the job market and CEO outlooks will be key drivers heading into 2026.