Lana

The U.S.

economy sat a little higher in the saddle, taking off at its fastest pace in two years, according to revised data out on Thursday.

In the third quarter of last year, the US economy was growing a little faster than originally thought, at an annual speed of 4.4%, up from previous estimates of 4.3%.

That's a promising sign, as is the news that the latest weekly unemployment claims came in a touch lower than expected.

Add in the fact that inflation's still running above target, and you can see why traders expect the central bank to leave interest rates where they are next week.

The International Monetary Fund now thinks the global economy will grow 3.3% this year, a touch higher than its earlier 3.1% call.

See, the impact of tariffs has been softer than feared, and firms are still pouring money into AI.

That stronger backdrop helps explain why stock markets are hovering near record highs.

A solid economy doesn't guarantee rising share prices, but it certainly helps.

Of course, if those conditions change, tighter policy, slower AI spending, or weaker economic growth, global stocks could fall faster than usual.

Investors were rewarded for exploring outside of the U.S.

last year, and that hasn't changed yet.

Emerging market stocks are still running ahead of their American peers.

Much of that strength has come from tech-tilted Asian markets like South Korea and Taiwan, as well as commodity-heavy markets like Peru and Chile.

And even with earnings forecasts improving, emerging market shares are still trading at cheaper valuations than U.S.

stocks.

Before we dive into the next story, it's time for our daily check-in with Carl.

You've got questions, he's got answers.

Carl, what have you got for us?

Thanks, Carl.