Three major forces shaped market dynamics throughout this year, and understanding them is crucial for traders. Trade tensions between major economies kept investors on edge, creating volatility across multiple asset classes. Meanwhile, the AI boom dominated headlines and capital flows, redirecting enormous resources into tech and innovation sectors. On top of that, rising geopolitical tensions fueled an arms race narrative, adding another layer of uncertainty to the global landscape. These three trends—protectionist measures, artificial intelligence adoption, and defense spending—didn't just move traditional markets; they've significantly influenced crypto market sentiment and asset allocation strategies. From Bitcoin's correlation with risk-on assets to altcoins riding the tech innovation wave, macro factors matter more than ever for positioning your portfolio.