Markets and Economy

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

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Weekly Trader's Outlook

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at fresh all-time highs, driven by bullish momentum, a better-than-expected monthly jobs report and a trade agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam.

Markets and Economy

Fireworks Spark Amid Hot Jobs Numbers

The economy added more jobs than expected in June and unemployment fell. The hot jobs report got a lukewarm reception from traders who may already be focused on the holiday.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Less than two months ago, trading began for Ripple futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for the fourth largest cryptocurrency by market cap according to CoinMarketCap.com.

Markets and Economy

Easy Money? Rate Cuts May Not Ease Borrowing Costs

Though some urge rate cuts, doing that won't necessarily reduce borrowing costs if the market doesn't agree with the timing. It could raise inflation fears, hurting Treasuries.

International

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.

Technical Analysis

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.

Markets and Economy

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.

Markets and Economy

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.

Markets and Economy

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.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Hedging and protective strategies generally involve additional costs and do not assure a profit or guarantee against loss.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" before considering any option transaction. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

With long options, investors may lose 100% of funds invested.

Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of premiums received, and prevent any profitability above the strike price of the call.

Cryptocurrency- related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended. Please read more about risks of trading cryptocurrency futures here.

Futures, futures options and Forex trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement for Futures and Options prior to trading futures products.

Forex trading involves leverage, carries a substantial level of risk, and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure for Forex.

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