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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nvidia Earnings Ahead: AI Demand, Margins In-Focus

Investors will be looking for a read on hyperscaler AI spending, the impact of rising competition, and expansion to new growth areas in the chipmaker's upcoming Q3 earnings report.
November 17, 2025

Schwab's Market Perspective: Looking for Direction

While stock and bond markets wait for U.S. federal data to become available again, private-sector reports suggest lukewarm overall economic growth.
November 14, 2025

Q3 Retail Earnings Preview: Consumer Mood Darkens

Consumers are in a sour mood over inflation and jobs as major retailers prepare to report earnings and offer their outlooks for the holiday shopping period.
November 13, 2025

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?
November 12, 2025

Desert Song: Relying on Alt Data for Economic Pulse

While we wait for federal data to come back online, private sector gauges continue to underscore still-weak manufacturing, resilient services, and mediocre job growth.
November 10, 2025

Using Bonds Wisely in a Bull Market for Equities

The Fed is cutting interest rates, and the bull market in equities shows no signs of slowing. So where do bonds fit in your portfolio?
November 6, 2025

What Are Futures? What You Need to Know

Learn how futures contracts work, the history and evolution of futures trading, the role of futures contracts in the financial market, and more.
November 5, 2025

Margin Loans and Purchased Money Market Funds

Money market funds aren't the same as cash when it comes to margin loans. Understanding the key differences can help avoid surprise margin loans and interest charges.
November 4, 2025

What Happened to Germany's Spending Boom?

German officials announced a massive stimulus program in early 2025. The results have been underwhelming so far, but we believe the economic boost to Germany and Europe is still coming.
November 3, 2025

3 Ways to Navigate Mega-Cap Concentration Risks

Mega-cap concentration in the S&P 500 index recently reached its highest level in more than 35 years. Is your portfolio prepared for the related concentration risks?
October 30, 2025

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