The trade surplus just hit $1.2 trillion for 2025—a new record. What caught traders off guard was the momentum pickup toward year-end, when export growth actually accelerated. This matters because sustained trade surpluses typically signal strong domestic supply chains and pricing power, which can influence currency stability and capital flows. For investors tracking macro trends, this kind of persistent surplus reshapes the competitive landscape across global markets. Worth monitoring how this plays into broader economic cycles affecting asset valuations.