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

Weekly Trader's Outlook

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite continued to climb to fresh all-time highs this week, which was supported by strong Q2 earnings and positive trade developments.
July 25, 2025

Taking a Breath: Packed Week Looms After New Highs

Today and Monday offer a brief break from the frantic pace, followed by a Fed meeting and four mega cap earnings next week. Jobs data is also crucial, as are Treasury auctions.
July 25, 2025

Looking to the Futures

Futures on the red metal reached another record high Thursday, a week before the U.S. is set to impose a 50% tariff on imports.
July 25, 2025

Meme Stocks Ride Again, But Caution Is the Word

This week's meme stock rallies brought memories of similar moves in 2021 and worries of a market top. While history may not repeat, anyone considering these stocks should be wary.
July 24, 2025

Good Times Bad Times: 2025's Leadership Shifts

The market's rebound from the April lows has had a speculative, risky leadership profile—but broader participation suggests the bull can keep running for now.
July 21, 2025

Q2 Tech Earnings Preview: Strength Seen Continuing

Tech earnings strength has lifted S&P 500 earnings growth in recent quarters and could again as major firms like Apple, Microsoft, and Intel gear up to report in coming weeks.
July 21, 2025

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
July 18, 2025

Bonds vs. Bond Funds: Which Is Right for You?

Not sure which to choose? Here are some things to consider about individual bonds vs. bond funds.
July 16, 2025

Comparing Index Options and Equity Options

Index options are typically used to hedge and speculate on broad swaths of the market, while single equity options track much narrower underlying assets. Both can have a place in a trader's toolkit.
July 15, 2025

Financial Considerations of Moving Abroad

More and more Americans are establishing second homes abroad. Here's how to prepare your finances before making the move.
July 14, 2025

Benefits of Emerging Markets Diversification

Emerging market (EM) countries are often generalized as all the same and driven by commodity prices. The reality can be very different. Here's what you should know about EM stocks now.
July 14, 2025

Schwab's Market Perspective: On Firmer Ground?

The resilient job market has supported stock gains, but Washington policy has been a primary market driver so far this year.
July 11, 2025

Q2 Bank Earnings Preview: A Dimmer Light?

After mid-level performance in Q1, financials sector earnings are seen slowing in Q2, according to analysts, though favorable signs like the yield curve could help margins.
July 9, 2025

Fixed Income: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to questions investors are asking about Treasury bonds, tax policy, credit quality, and other issues affecting fixed income investments.
July 9, 2025

2Q Earnings: The Beat Goes On?

The earnings bar is fairly low for the second quarter, setting companies up for a potential easy jump—but there will likely be more focus on forward guidance.
July 7, 2025

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.
July 1, 2025

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.
June 30, 2025

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.
June 26, 2025

Understanding the Gamma Squeeze

A gamma squeeze occurs through a combination of retail call buying, a rally in the stock, and market makers buying stock to hedge exposure, forcing the stock price up.
June 24, 2025

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.
June 23, 2025

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