Markets and Economy

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

market volatility government policy international sectors us

Inflation Data, War News Could Dominate Week Ahead

With the earnings calendar lighter, investors focus on two key inflation reports, retail sales and war news this week. The tech rally took indexes to new record highs Friday.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Crude oil futures (/CL) fell back below $100 per barrel last week after briefly trading above $110 in the front month June contract on April 30.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hit fresh highs this week as money continued to flow into the AI infrastructure trade. Will bullish momentum carry stocks to fresh heights next week?

Markets and Economy

April Jobs Data Looms Large, but Expectations Low

The nonfarm payrolls report for April at 8:30 a.m. could be today's scene stealer despite an uncertain situation in the Persian Gulf. Analysts expect jobs growth of around 60,000.

Markets and Economy

Stocks Climb as April Jobs Growth Tops Estimates

Jobs growth once again surpassed analysts' expectations and the unemployment rate didn't move from 4.3%. Meanwhile, oil prices inched up after more developments in the Middle East.

Markets and Economy

As Jobs Report Looms, Market Visits McDonald's

Earnings from McDonald's and a monthly tally of layoffs are both in focus this morning, along with the Middle East. Yesterday's fresh record highs came as crude oil tumbled.

Markets and Economy

Jobs Data, Disney Awaited After New Record Highs

Stocks are at record highs after Tuesday's chip-led rally. Investors await ADP jobs data and Disney earnings this morning as they mull solid results from Advanced Micro Devices.

Markets and Economy

First Quarter 2026 Earnings: Feelin' Alright

S&P 500 first quarter 2026 earnings are tracking at nearly 28% year-over-year, with rising profit margins suggesting the strong run could persist.

Sectors

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.

Markets and Economy

Weekly Digest: Powell Exits and Mag 7 Reports

A busy news week brought inflation numbers, predictable Fed inertia at Powell's final meeting, and a slight decline in market breadth.

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.

0924-RGR0