Castle Securities Strategist: U.S. Stocks May Face Short-Term Volatility, Poised for Strong Year-End Finish

Golden Finance reports that Scott Rubner, head of equity and equity derivatives strategy at Castle Securities, stated that the current rally driving U.S. stocks to new highs may experience some volatility in the coming weeks but is likely to finish strong by year-end. Rubner wrote that the S&P 500 Index has risen 17% from its yearly low, with short-term risks including overvaluation, typical seasonal fluctuations in September and October, and potential sell-offs by trend-following funds. However, these signs of potential weakness are unlikely to persist, as tailwinds supporting the stock market—such as corporate spending in artificial intelligence and retail investor demand—will continue to provide momentum in the final months of 2025. Rubner wrote: 'Maintain a positive outlook on structural demand, but hedge against short-term risks, as September to October remains a fragile window.' He added that investors should view short-term pullbacks as buying opportunities.