Read here for key economic risks from tariffs and slowing population growth, renewables' resilience, and top REIT picks for defensive growth.

Climb on the Roller Coaster The first half of 2025 has been a wild ride for investors, characterized by sharp stock market volatility driven by macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. President Donald Trump’s trade policies,

Larry McDonald, the author of a book about the financial crisis, flagged some bank loans and the threat of resurgent inflation.

U.S. stocks are mostly lower in afternoon trading Friday, pulling the market back from all-time highs, as the Trump administration escalates its tariff threats against Canada. The S&P 500 was down 0.3% a day after setting a record high.

UK Stocks to Test Record, Pound Strengthens

JPMorgan said retail investors bought $270 billion of stocks in the first half, and data from Vanda Research shows retail buying was the highest in a decade.

—Asian stock markets mostly advanced Tuesday after President Trump unveiled his three-week extension to negotiate trade agreements, spurring mild hopes for deals following punishing U.S. tariffs. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index gained 0.3%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 1%. China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite gained 0.7%.

Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates rebounded on Friday, led by gains in oil prices, while U.S. tariffs and possible further sanctions on Russia were also in focus.