U.S. equities finished higher, led by small caps, high-beta, and most-shorted stocks, as market breadth was strong and Treasuries firmed with a flatter curve, while gold hit a fresh record. Stocks pushed toward session highs after President Trump signaled a softer stance on Greenland and tariffs, easing a key geopolitical overhang and reducing the risk of European retaliation. Investors also weighed stretched positioning, a flatter expected rate-cut path, and an active earnings slate.