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

Markets Digest Fed Cut, Broadcom Earnings On Deck

Investors will continue to chew over the Fed's latest rate cut along with Broadcom earnings today after the S&P 500 closed just shy of a record high on Wednesday.
December 11, 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

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

Fed Day Dawns with Rate Cut, Hawkish Tone Expected

Stocks flattened ahead of what's widely expected to be a 25-basis point rate cut this afternoon. Powell might sound hawkish with inflation still a concern. Oracle reports later.
December 10, 2025

Looking to the Futures

Today’s announcement is part of a busy two weeks for central banks.
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

Job Openings, 10-Year Auction Ahead as Fed Meets

Futures trading shows 90% odds of a Fed rate cut tomorrow. Yields rose again Monday, a possible headwind for stocks, while job openings data arrive after the open today.
December 9, 2025

Fed Meeting, Job Openings, Oracle Pack a Busy Week

This week features a Fed meeting, Broadcom and Oracle results, and job openings data. Yields rose sharply last week, raising concerns. Major indexes approached record highs Friday.
December 8, 2025

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

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

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Equity markets have remained largely unchanged this week as investors anticipate guidance from the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
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

Waiting Game as PCE Inflation Loom Soon After Open

Volatility could rise at 10 a.m. ET with the release of PCE data, but earnings news is slim. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are on three-day win streaks before next week's Fed decision.
December 5, 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

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

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

What Are 0DTE Options? Learn the Basics

Explore the popularity of 0DTE options trading. With increased volume comes tighter spreads but beware of market volatility. Learn about the potential risks and rewards.
December 2, 2025

Option Traders: How Portfolio Margin Works

Portfolio margin is available to qualified Schwab clients who have a margin account and meet the requirements. Learn more about what it is, how it works, and the risks involved.
December 1, 2025

Contango and Backwardation Explained

The slope of a futures curve—whether in contango or backwardation—can greatly impact the profitability and risk involved in several trading strategies.
November 25, 2025

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