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

Stocks maintained decent bullish momentum, supported by strong mega-cap tech earnings reports and improving sentiment around trade negotiations.
May 2, 2025

Schwab Market Update

The unemployment rate remained at 4.2% in April, while jobs growth hit 177,000, indicating the labor market is relatively healthy. Apple and Amazon fell as earnings disappointed.
May 2, 2025

Looking to the Futures

The Russell 2000 is down 11% for the year, nearly twice as much as the large-cap indexes.
May 2, 2025

"Soft" Data Hits Hard: Why Does Sentiment Matter?

University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment is a so-called "soft" report, not reflecting "hard" data like GDP or CPI. It moved markets recently, so how much attention should investors pay?
April 30, 2025

Why Is the U.S. Dollar Declining?

Historically the United States dollar strengthens when U.S. Treasury yields rise. But the reverse happened in April after the White House announced widespread tariffs.
April 28, 2025

Dominoes: Recessions' History Guide

Recession risk remains elevated, likely only receding with a fuller "pivot" in tariff-related uncertainty. While every recession is unique, history can provide a guide.
April 28, 2025

Weekly Market Outlook

Chief Global Investment Strategist Jeffrey Kleintop's 90-second take on the markets for the week ahead.
April 28, 2025

The State of Rates and the Bond Market During Uncertainty

Collin Martin and Kathy Jones dissect the current environment for different types of bonds and bond investors.
April 25, 2025

Q1 Tech Earnings Preview: Tariffs Chip Confidence

As major tech firms like Apple and Microsoft report, they face questions about the impact of tariffs. Q1 results may be discounted, with strength seen as pre-tariff demand.
April 23, 2025

The Average True Range Indicator and Volatility

The Average True Range indicator can help traders analyze volatility, place stops and limits, and manage position size.
April 22, 2025

Washington Washout: Stocks Dip on Fed, Trade Fears

Trump's criticism of Fed Chair Powell, along with lack of trade progress, hit stocks and pushed yields higher. The dollar reached new 3-year lows and gold made all-time highs.
April 21, 2025

Weak Dollar Is No Silver Lining as Firms Face Tariffs

The U.S. dollar hit 3-year lows after tariff "liberation day," and a weak greenback often aids U.S. companies with big overseas sales. That may not happen now as the trade war simmers.
April 21, 2025

Early Impacts of the Trade War

Theoretical forecasts and earnings announcements may provide initial insights as to the impact of current tariff proposals, although estimates may be imprecise.
April 21, 2025

What is a Micro E-Mini Future?

Micro E-mini futures offer traders exposure to four leading U.S. stock indexes in bite-size contracts.
April 21, 2025

Bollinger Bands: What They Are and How to Use Them

Bollinger Bands® help you identify sharp, short-term price movements and potential entry and exit points.
April 15, 2025

Upside Down(side): Markets' Wild Rides

Markets have had a wild ride these past couple of weeks, alongside chaotic tariff-related news, with volatility (and its policy triggers) most elevated in the bond market.
April 14, 2025

Schwab Market Perspective: Hard Turn on Tariffs

Markets swung widely after the White House announced—and then paused—sweeping global tariffs. But the U.S. and China remain in an escalating tariff battle and volatility is likely to continue.
April 11, 2025

6 Ways to Take Advantage of a Bad Market

Certain moves could make more sense during a bad market than during a good one. Here are six.
April 11, 2025

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
April 10, 2025

Tariff Two-Step: What to Watch as Earnings Begin

Earnings season begins with companies adjusting on the fly to tariffs. This could give investors insight into strategies firms are taking and how businesses might be affected.
April 10, 2025

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