Markets and Economy

Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions

Energy: Global Excess or Shortage of Power?

Israel-Iran hostilities brought a short-term market focus on oil. Longer term, artificial intelligence (AI) electricity needs could create a power shortage, as well as opportunities and risks for investors.

Fireworks Ahead: Jobs Data Loom After Record Highs

Easing trade tensions and hopes the Senate could pass a budget gave stocks an early lift after Friday's record highs. The week is packed with jobs news and Powell talks tomorrow.

Looking to the Futures

Crude oil futures (/CLQ25) ended Friday’s session slightly higher as prices return to levels seen prior to the start of the most recent Iran/Israel conflict.

Weekly Trader's Outlook

The S&P 500 is on track to close at record highs as optimistic investor sentiment and bullish technical momentum propel risk assets higher. Are indices set to climb higher or will recent trade turmoil put a pause on the bull run?

Breadth Check: Strength and Weakness Trend Tracker

Market breadth can help gauge strength or weakness. Methods include tracking the number of stocks trading above or below moving averages or making new highs or lows.

What's Going On…With Inflation

Inflation's trend has been favorable this year, but a growing conflict in Iran—combined with already-imposed tariffs—might put upward pressure in prices later this year.

IPO Market Starts to Warm After Slow Start to 2025

After a long dry spell, there are signs of life in the initial public offerings space. An increase in offerings can sometimes suggest an improvement in overall market sentiment.

Fed Keeps Rates Steady, Says Risks Still Elevated

The Fed held the federal funds rate steady but noted that the risks of inflation and potentially higher unemployment remained high.

Schwab Market Perspective: 2025 Mid-Year Outlook

Tariff policy has clouded expectations for the second half of the year, but there are ways to navigate through the fog.

"Yen-Carry" Anniversary Nears, but Worries Fade

Summer re-runs are popular on TV, but a repeat of last August's "yen-carry" market upheaval isn't likely on the schedule. A shift in positioning by investors is one reason.