Markets and Economy

Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions

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Options

Today's Options Market Update

Stocks are consolidating some of yesterday’s gains as traders continue to monitor Q4 earnings reports, economic data.

Markets and Economy

Retail Sales, More Bank Results Next After Rally

December retail sales are seen up 0.5% monthly, and earnings from Bank of America and Morgan Stanley also are due. Stocks just had their best day since November after CPI data.

Bonds

Are California Fires a Risk to the Muni Market?

The wildfires may affect some municipal bond issuers in the devastated areas, but the impact to other California bonds or to the broader muni market is likely limited.

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Update

After yesterday's bank- and CPI-fueled rally, major indexes flattened and yields edged up following a 0.4% rise in December retail sales. Fresh bank earnings looked solid.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Equities and treasuries surged as investors’ inflation fears were allayed by economic data this week.

Markets and Economy

Bank Earnings, CPI Kick off Pivotal Day for Stocks

Four of the largest U.S. banks report earnings this morning and the government releases December CPI, possibly key touchpoints for stocks and Treasury yields amid general weakness.

Markets and Economy

PPI Data Awaited After Monday's SPX Recovery

Today's PPI could help determine the direction of Treasury yields and stocks. Analysts expect a relatively benign report, but tomorrow's CPI and bank earnings may have more impact.

Markets and Economy

After Hot Jobs Data, Focus Turns to Earnings, CPI

Investors don't get a break from yield worries as both CPI and PPI loom this week. But bank earnings could distract. Major indexes hit post-election lows in Friday's sell-off.

International

What's Ahead for China in 2025?

Economic data and policies out of China are typically delayed until mid-March. Stock volatility may be prevalent until initiatives are clarified after the Lunar New Year.

Markets and Economy

Weekly Market Outlook

Chief Global Investment Strategist Jeffrey Kleintop's 90-second take on the markets for the week ahead.

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Hedging and protective strategies generally involve additional costs and do not assure a profit or guarantee against loss.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" before considering any option transaction. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

With long options, investors may lose 100% of funds invested.

Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of premiums received, and prevent any profitability above the strike price of the call.

Cryptocurrency- related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended. Please read more about risks of trading cryptocurrency futures here.

Futures, futures options and Forex trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement for Futures and Options prior to trading futures products.

Forex trading involves leverage, carries a substantial level of risk, and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure for Forex.

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