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

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

How Well Do You Know Market Cap?

Market capitalization is a key guidepost for anyone building a portfolio. Here's what to know.
October 29, 2025

How to Effectively Read the Fed's Beige Book

Effectively reading the Federal Reserve's Beige Book can help investors spot economic, industry, and consumer trends that could potentially impact investment portfolios.
October 29, 2025

Fed Cuts Rates for the Second Time This Year

The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points, as widely expected. However, dissenting votes may cloud the path forward.
October 29, 2025

Solana ETPs Cleared to Trade: What to Know

Trading of solana ETPs started October 28, 2025, but investors should proceed with caution.
October 28, 2025

Round Lots Regulatory Changes

New regulations will impact how bid, ask, and last sizes display on Schwab platforms starting Nov. 3, 2025. The updates will take effect automatically—no client action is required.
October 28, 2025

Q3 Tech Earnings Preview: All Eyes on AI Spending

As major tech firms report this week and next, investors will focus on how much they're spending on AI. Cloud competition is also top of mind, along with early iPhone 17 sales.
October 27, 2025

Better Days (for Earnings)

Still-healthy demand and disciplined cost control are central themes for earnings, which continue to suggest a mostly resilient economy in light of government data darkness.
October 27, 2025

Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
October 24, 2025

Unbalanced Butterfly and Strong Directional Bias

A guide to using unbalanced butterflies for traders who have a strong directional bias but want to generate income and ensure they have defined risk.
October 23, 2025

A Guide to the Covered Strangle Options Strategy

Learn how covered strangles can potentially help traders earn extra income from options and manage their stock positions during periods of sideways trading.
October 22, 2025

Is It a Good Time to Consider Japanese Stocks?

Earnings growth and attractive valuations for Japanese companies, reforms to corporate governance, and other shifts in the Japanese economy may create opportunities for investors.
October 20, 2025

Investing Basics: What Are Stocks?

Start your investing journey by learning how stocks work, how to analyze them, and the benefits and risks involved with owning them.
October 15, 2025

How to Tell If a Market Is Overbought or Oversold

Overbought and oversold readings aren't as straightforward as they sound. But understood in context, they can provide traders some insight when making entry and exit decisions.
October 14, 2025

Alternative Candidate(s) for Data During Shutdown

With official data halted by the U.S. government shutdown, investors turn to private and high-frequency indicators to track jobs, spending, and growth in real time.
October 13, 2025

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