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

Can You Really Live on a Cruise?

Making a home aboard an ocean liner may sound like a dream for some retirees, but what are the pros and cons of living a life on the seas?
September 4, 2025

Soft Jobs Data Put Stocks on Edge Before Payrolls

Weak ADP hiring and job openings data sent yields lower, with stocks flat ahead of tomorrow's key payrolls report. A hearing on Trump's Fed nominee looms, with Broadcom later.
September 4, 2025

Looking to the Futures

Corn prices rallied Friday and Tuesday to start the 2025/2026 marketing year.
September 3, 2025

Short Straddles vs. Strangles Options Strategies

Short straddles and strangles can help traders take advantage of range-bound trading or drops in implied volatility. But advanced options strategies carry greater potential risk.
September 2, 2025

Take the Long Way Home: Is Housing Bottoming?

The housing market remains out of sync with the broader economy as affordability is depressed, but an improvement in supply and demand dynamics might be on the horizon.
September 2, 2025

Avoiding Trading Violations in Cash Accounts

Understand the stock settlement timeline and the difference between settled and unsettled cash.
August 29, 2025

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
August 29, 2025

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Markets limped into the long Labor Day weekend after Friday's sell-off wiped out the early week gains.
August 29, 2025

The Four Stages of the Stock Market Cycle

Learn to identify the four stages of a stock market cycle: accumulation, markup, distribution, and markdown.
August 29, 2025

How to Effectively Read Federal Reserve Minutes

Learning to read the Fed minutes effectively can help traders understand the central bank's policy-making process, sentiment, and rate expectations, all of which can impact markets.
August 28, 2025

Saving for College: 529 College Savings Plans

The 529 savings plan provides several tax advantages when used for education expenses.
August 28, 2025

Options Trading: Covered Call Strategy Basics

Understanding how this options strategy works could help traders potentially earn income from stocks they own, but it's not without risks. Take the time to learn what's involved.
August 27, 2025

Will a Weak Dollar Enhance International Returns?

International stocks have outperformed the broad U.S. stock market so far this year. If the U.S. dollar continues to weaken, it could boost international returns even more.
August 25, 2025

Nvidia Earnings Ahead with China, AI Spend in Focus

Nvidia, the biggest AI-chip firm, reports Wednesday. Watchlist items include the pathway toward resuming H20 chip sales in China, revenue guidance, and Blackwell growth.
August 25, 2025

Health Care Sector Struggles as Pharma Tariffs Loom

U.S. health care stocks are having their worst year relative to the S&P 500 in years, and the next blow could be pharma tariffs. Still, some retail investors see opportunity.
August 20, 2025

Money Due: Handling Credit Spread Assignment

Early assignment is a risk of trading credit spreads. What happens when a trader's notified money is due? Learn how to take an economical approach to managing an early assignment.
August 20, 2025

Inflation: The Heat Is On?

July inflation data emphasized that tariff-related price pressures are still with us, in addition to some heat in the services sector—making the road to Fed cuts a bit bumpier.
August 18, 2025

Q2 Retail Earnings Preview: Demand in Question

Major retailers preparing to report are still facing uncertainty around tariffs' impact on prices and shopper demand. Fresh worries arose after disappointing July jobs data.

August 18, 2025

7 Basic thinkorswim® desktop Chart Drawing Tools

Understanding how to use thinkorswim® desktop's drawing tools can help traders identify trends and patterns. Here's an overview of seven commonly used chart drawing tools.
August 15, 2025

Schwab's Market Perspective: Downshifting

U.S. economic growth slowed decisively in the first half of the year amid concern about rising tariffs, although corporate fundamentals have remained strong.
August 15, 2025

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