Markets are hitting record highs as we are ending 2025, but what’s really driving it? In this episode of Common Curiosities: Retirement, we take a curious look under the hood of today’s market momentum.

We’ll unpack a few key forces fueling the climb including:

💭 Many strong corporate earnings that are beating expectations

💭 Interest rate cuts — after a few years of tightening interest rate increases, potential interest rate cuts could be on the horizon

💭 Artificial intelligence - Many believe it's not just hype, but a potential long-term shift in how companies operate. What does the future mean for that?

💭 Investor participation — More and more people are now investing. Is that a good thing?

Of course, all-time highs don’t mean buy everything now. Markets move in cycles — and those pullbacks can be part of a healthy rhythm. This episode is all about understanding why we’re here, what might be next, and how to stay curious and have a plan ahead of time through the ups and downs.

Chapters

00:00 Market Overview and Current Status

00:34 Business Earnings

00:59 Potential Interest Rate Cuts

01:33 People's Interest in Artificial Intelligence

02:54 Other AI Ideas?

03:51 More People Investing Now

04:40 Understanding Stock Market Dynamics

05:07 Investment Strategies in Volatile Markets

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

We’re here to make retirement planning feel less intimidating by helping people think through their strategies and plans through clear relatable financial topics!

💬 Questions or Want to Connect?

🌐 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: www.custerfinancialadvisors.com

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Disclosures:

Harborfront Financial Group is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.

The information contained in this material is intended to provide general information about Harborfront Financial Group and its services. It is not intended to offer investment advice. Investment advice will only be given after a client engages our services by executing the appropriate investment services agreement. Information regarding investment products and services are provided solely to read about our investment philosophy and our strategies. You should not rely on any information provided on our web site in making investment decisions.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Harborfront Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Harborfront Financial Group and Custer Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.