Markets and Economy

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

What Is a Market Bubble?

Famous market bubbles share some characteristics, but it's nearly impossible to predict how big a bubble might get and when one is about to burst.

Songs of Experience: Reminiscences of a Strategist

It's been 40 years since I began my career on Wall Street and the lessons I learned along the way from some all-time investment greats always hold true.

How Interest Rate Movements Affect Options Prices

Interest rates have an important effect on options prices, especially when rates are high. The options greek rho measures the impact of rates and can help when evaluating options.

Hard-Hitting 'Soft' Data: Why Surveys Matter

'Soft' reports like sentiment and confidence don't reflect 'hard' data like GDP or CPI. Still, they can affect markets and come with various strengths and weaknesses to consider.

Geopolitical Uncertainty and Your Portfolio

Geopolitical developments at home and abroad could have longer-lasting impacts on the markets. Here, three experts discuss what it all means for investors.

Equity Diversification in an Era of Concentration

Tech and AI are driving a greater share of global equity market returns and earnings growth, raising concentration risks and the need for broader diversification.

The Way You Make Me Feel: Sentiment's Message

Investors remain cautious despite bullish positioning, as rotations curb speculation while record margin debt and high equity allocations raise longer-term risks.

Sentiment Boxes to Check: Market Condition Metrics

Several metrics including Schwab's STAX report, investor sentiment data, and the greed and fear index can help investors glean how participants view market conditions.

Q2 Tech Earnings Preview: Chips, Memory, Software

Chip, software, and memory maker stocks headline the next wave of tech earnings. Here's what investors should watch, from AI infrastructure demand to memory market competition.

Congress Heads Out, but Washington Keeps Working

There is plenty of activity in Washington that can move the markets, even with Congress in recess. So what should you be watching?