On the macro front, new data out last week showed Japan’s economy officially exited recession after GDP expanded by more than expected during the first three months of the year. The EU, on the other hand, got some mixed news last week, with the European Commission raising both its inflation and growth outlook for the bloc. Over in the equity world, the frenzy around AI shows no signs of letting up. Mentions of AI during earnings calls have surged, and investors are scrambling to ride the rapidly growing trend. Even billionaire investing titans have been loading up on AI stocks recently. In fact, so strong is the investing hype around AI that without it, US stocks would actually be down for the year, according to new research by Societe Generale. Finally, Newmont sealed a deal last Monday to acquire Australian competitor Newcrest Mining, consolidating Newmont's position as the world’s biggest gold producer at a time when bullion is trading near a record high. Find out more in this week’s review.