Experts offer their insights on the U.S. and global markets

Successful investing begins with being informed. Read the insights of top Schwab professionals and keep up with the daily flux of the stock market.

US Market Commentary

CPI Next with Stocks in 4-Day Slump as Tech Wilts

The S&P 500 starts today on a four-day losing streak ahead of an ECB rate decision and U.S. CPI. Analysts expect a 0.3% headline inflation rise. FedEx and Nike report later today.
December 18, 2025

Looking to the Futures

Natural Gas futures (/NGF25) have pulled back after hitting a 3-year high on December 5th, at 5.496 as concerns of a colder than normal winter have subsided.
December 18, 2025

Fed Chatter, Micron, CPI in View as Stocks Edge Up

Tomorrow's CPI data and ECB rate meeting are possible near-term catalysts, and chip giant Micron reports later today. Stocks rose early, with tech gains and Fed speakers in focus.
December 17, 2025

Jobs Data Anticipation Grows as Light Growth Seen

Today's delayed November jobs report at 8:30 a.m. ET is likely to set the tone. Analysts see lethargic growth of 30,000. Tech shares, especially AI, lost more ground Monday.
December 16, 2025

Jobs Data, BOJ, Loom After Tech, Treasuries Drop

Tomorrow's jobs report, Thursday's Nike results and Friday's BOJ decision are weekly highlights, but focus could stay on fast-retreating tech stocks and rising Treasury yields.
December 15, 2025

Broadcom Results Assessed After Stocks Post Record

Chipmaker Broadcom beat analysts' earnings, revenue, and guidance with results late yesterday following new record-high closes for the DJIA and S&P 500 index. Cyclical names led.
December 12, 2025

Market Snapshot | December 2025

Liz Ann Sonders shares her perspective on the U.S. stock market and economy in this monthly Market Snapshot video.
December 12, 2025

Weekly Trader's Outlook

The Dow Jones, S&P 500 Equal Weight and Russell 2000 all hit fresh all-time highs this week while tech stocks slumped on AI concerns. Will sector rotation be enough to set the bulls up for a year-end rally?
December 12, 2025

Schwab's Market Perspective: 2026 Outlook

Investors are navigating not just uncertainty, but an unstable environment influenced by tariffs and inflation, among other factors. While volatility may increase, there is likely room for another solid year in 2026, especially for fixed income and international stocks.
December 12, 2025

How Stock Buybacks Work and Why They Matter

Stock buybacks are a major driver of equity markets. Learn how they work, why companies use them, the risks involved, and how to evaluate them as an investor.
December 11, 2025

Fed Cuts Rates for the Third Time This Year

The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points, as widely expected. However, Fed Chairman Powell hinted at a pause ahead, and there were several dissents.
December 10, 2025

Tracking Lesser-Known Economic Indicators

Researching lesser-known economic indicators on the thinkorswim® platform is a low-effort way to potentially elevate an investor's game.
December 10, 2025

Fed Cut Seen, but Dissents, Powell, Dot Plot Eyed

The Fed is seen cutting rates by 25 basis points today. Focus then turns to Powell's thoughts, the dot plot of rate projections, and any dissents. Oracle reports after the close.
December 10, 2025

2026 Outlook: U.S. Stocks and Economy

We believe the macro environment will continue to be unstable given policy crosscurrents and a wobbly labor market, but stocks can likely churn higher given a firmer earnings backdrop.
December 9, 2025

2026 Outlook: International Stocks and Economy

International stocks could be poised for another strong year in 2026 due to accelerating global growth, attractive valuations and the potential for dollar weakness.
December 9, 2025

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
December 5, 2025

Implications of a New Fed Chair Nominee

Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones review the Federal Reserve’s latest dilemma and the complexity of policy setting in this environment.
December 5, 2025

Economic Moats: Why They Matter

Learn how durable competitive advantages like scale, brand strength, and high switching costs can potentially help companies protect profits and market share over the long term.
December 3, 2025

2026 Outlook: Treasury Bonds and Fixed Income

Overall, we expect 2026 to be another good year of returns for bond investors, but the range of potential outcomes is wide.
December 3, 2025

Utilities Lose Defensive Touch as AI Ignites Rally

Thanks to AI-generated power demand, the utilities sector is losing its traditional defensive role. Is this a permanent move, or will utilities ultimately regain their place?
December 2, 2025

Have more questions? We're here to help.