US HOUSEHOLD WEALTH HITS RECORD AS STOCKS DRIVE GAINS US household net worth rose $2.2 trillion to a record $184.1 trillion in Q4, fueled mainly by a $1.6 trillion surge in equity holdings as stocks rallied on AI and earnings optimism. Real estate values slipped by about $347 billion amid a weak housing market. Meanwhile, consumer borrowing grew at a modest 3.3% pace, with slower mortgage growth but stronger non-mortgage credit. Business debt growth cooled, while federal borrowing remained strong. Household deposits also climbed 3.3% to a record $20.5 trillion.(*Walter Bloomberg)