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

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

Salesforce, Macy's, Crypto, and ADP Jobs in Focus

Crypto turned around yesterday but Marvell Technology earnings appeared to disappoint. Today brings Salesforce results and ADP jobs data, along with Macy's and Snowflake.
December 3, 2025

Weak Jobs Data Lift Rate Cut Hopes as Stocks Climb

Stocks rose and yields fell early, with stocks holding gains after ADP reported November job losses of 32,000. Fed rate cut hopes hit 90% on this new sign of economic softness.
December 3, 2025

Looking to the Futures

Grain futures are mixed leading into Wednesday’s session. Corn and wheat futures are lower after finishing Tuesday’s session higher and soybean futures are looking to start the day higher after slipping Tuesday.
December 3, 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

Tech Results Ahead as Sentiment, Crypto Moves Eyed

Marvell Technology and CrowdStrike results following the close will be watched for AI and tech demand trends, while crypto could again play a role after denting sentiment Monday.
December 2, 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

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

Blast of Data Starts Month Following Mixed November

Data this week touch on manufacturing, inflation, and jobs. The Fed is quiet ahead of next week's meeting, and stocks had a mixed November highlighted by strong late-month gains.
December 1, 2025

Stocks Face Short Day with SPX Near Even for Month

The four-day rally has the S&P 500 near even for November after being down 5% just last week. Risk-on sentiment appears back, though a 1 p.m. ET close could mean light trading.
November 28, 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

Stocks: Less Comfortably Numb

After a gangbuster stock market rally since the early-April lows, many of the prior highfliers have taken a breather amid AI bubble and valuation concerns.
November 24, 2025

Are Transports Losing Their Barometer Status?

Amid tech competition and industry challenges, transports—long seen as an economic barometer—were outpaced by major indexes over the last year. Is the sector still a useful tool?
November 24, 2025

Trading the VIX: Strategies for the Fear Index

Some traders use products tied to the VIX to hedge their portfolios against market declines or speculate on shifts in volatility. But trading the VIX carries significant risk.
November 21, 2025

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks bounce back today on improved rate cut hopes but remain on track for weekly losses. Promises of AI profits remain under investor scrutiny, despite robust Nvidia earnings.
November 21, 2025

The Confidence Map: Navigating Investor Sentiment (With Peter Atwater)

Liz Ann Sonders and Peter Atwater delve into how investor confidence, market narratives, and the "K-shaped economy" are influencing the current market cycle.
November 21, 2025

Investors Eyeing Big Issues as Washington Reopens

As the government reopens, investors are watching for the Fed to make rate decisions, Congress to avoid another shutdown, and the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of tariffs.
November 20, 2025

Nvidia Tops Consensus, Investors Await Jobs Data

Nvidia initially rose overnight after reporting a 62% year-over-year revenue rise and exceeding consensus on earnings and guidance. September jobs data and Walmart are up next.
November 20, 2025

Intro to Put Ratio Options Spreads

Discover how traders may use put ratio options spreads to pursue specific financial objectives, as well as the strategy's advantages and risks.
November 20, 2025

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