Can US Equities Keep Defying the Risks?

US equities have pulled back after reaching record highs, but investors continue to navigate a complicated mix of geopolitical tensions, shifting interest-rate expectations and enthusiasm over artificial intelligence investment. The US-Iran standoff remains a key risk for oil and inflation, while weaker labour market signals have reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve tightening. At the same time, the AI investment boom is broadening beyond chipmakers into the companies supplying the infrastructure behind it, while a softer US dollar has helped gold regain momentum. With markets still trading near historic highs, can the rally continue, and where are the most attractive opportunities for investors now?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.