While trade tensions continue to buffet U.S. markets, Europe’s stock exchanges have taken the global lead, with eight of the world’s 10 top-performing bourses now located on the continent.  Germany’s DAX, in particular, has soared more than 30% in dollar terms so far this year. Investors point to Europe’s robust fiscal plans, stable inflation, and relative political calm as catalysts driving the rally. The broader Stoxx 600 index has outpaced the S&P 500 by a record 18 percentage points in dollar terms—a remarkable reversal for a region long seen as economically sluggish. Peripheral markets such as Hungary, Slovenia, and Greece are joining core economies in delivering outsized returns. Behind the surge: Berlin’s once-frugal government has proposed hundreds of billions of euros in spending for infrastructure and defense, a move that is expected to ignite growth across the eurozone by late 2026. Meanwhile, corporate earnings across MSCI Europe rose over 5% in the first quarter—de...

The stock market stumbled in early September as concerns about a slowing economy weighed on investors. With the S&P 500 down 4.2% for the month, many are looking for more stable investment options. One strategy gaining attention is focusing on dividend stocks, which offer consistent income along with potential for growth. Dividend-paying companies, especially those with a track record of growing their payouts, tend to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty. This is because these companies often have strong balance sheets and reliable cash flow, making them less vulnerable to market downturns. Why Dividend Growth Beats High Yield While high-yield dividend stocks may seem attractive, growth-focused dividend stocks could be a better bet. According to Jason Browne, president of Alexis Investment Partners, "Dividend growth is especially appealing when growth slows." He recommends focusing on companies that consistently increase their dividends rather than those of...