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

How Stock Buybacks Work and Why They Matter

Stock buybacks are a major driver of equity markets. Learn how they work, why companies use them, the risks involved, and how to evaluate them as an investor.
December 11, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Box Spreads: What They Are and How to Use Them

A box spread options strategy can be a useful cash management tool when executed correctly, potentially helping traders lend or borrow money synthetically via the options market.
November 20, 2025

Exchange-Traded Notes: The Facts and the Risks

Exchange-traded notes (ETNs) may have a similar sounding name, but ETNs are not the same as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and they carry some important risks for investors.
November 20, 2025

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