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

Why International and Why Now

The shifting change in market leadership to international outperformance may call for a portfolio review to assess overexposure risks.
May 19, 2025

Q1 Retail Earnings in Uncertain Year

While Q1 retail earnings results are expected to be good, analysts will be watching for indications about tariff management for the rest of the year.

May 13, 2025

Hate It or Love It: Sentiment's Message

The April plunge in stocks ushered in a huge washout in investor sentiment, but more so on the attitudinal side as opposed to the behavioral side.
May 12, 2025

Three Things to Know About the Wheel Strategy

The options wheel strategy involves selling cash-secured puts, and if they're assigned, writing covered calls on the stock, which might be repeatable. Here are three things to know.
May 6, 2025

Tariffs: Q1 Impacts and Q2 Negotiations

A look back at the impacts of tariff announcements last quarter, and what we might expect from tariff negotiations during the 90-day implementation delay in Q2.
May 5, 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

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

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

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

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

Making Sense of Recent Market Volatility

After a turbulent few days in the market, what strategies should investors consider?
April 9, 2025

What Are Stock Market Circuit Breakers?

Stock market circuit breakers are temporary trading halts that kick in during periods of severe price decline to ensure that information is disseminated, and liquidity managed.
April 8, 2025

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