Markets and Economy

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

market volatility government policy international sectors us
Markets and Economy

Stocks Face Uneventful Friday After Bland Return

Stocks returned from the holiday Thursday lacking direction and not able to carry through Tuesday's broad rally. Catalysts were lacking and major indexes vacillated, but yields slipped.

Options

Today's Options Market Update

Amid the lack of earnings and economic news, stocks are falling in light volume and are giving back weekly gains.

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Update

After retreating yesterday on soft continuing jobless claims data, yields crept up again early Friday and mega cap stocks fell. Major indexes remain on pace for weekly gains.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Gold is up slightly after Christmas along with the dollar index while equities are down slightly.

Markets and Economy

After Merry Pre-Holiday Rally, Fresh Job Data Due

Jobless claims are today's data highlight after stocks rallied broadly Tuesday despite climbing Treasury yields. Tech led, and data and earnings are sparse before the weekend.

Markets and Economy

Short Session Follows Two-Day Recovery Effort

Stocks close at 1 p.m. ET today and bonds close an hour later, likely meaning a light volume ahead of tomorrow's holiday. Tech led yesterday's gains, but small caps got hurt by rising yields.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks experienced a midweek correction following a hawkish FOMC meeting, but are recovering lost ground today following a cool PCE report.

Markets and Economy

2025 Market Outlook: Fixed Income

As we approach 2025, what can investors expect from muni bonds, investment-grade corporate bonds, and the fixed income markets in the new year?

Markets and Economy

Fed Cuts Interest Rate, Projects Fewer Cuts Ahead

With economic growth rising at a stronger rate than expected for this part of the cycle and inflation holding above the 2.0% target, the Fed appears more cautious about the need for rate cuts.

Markets and Economy

Fed Expected to Announce Another Rate Cut

Federal Reserve policymakers will complete their last meeting of 2024 today, and investors are forecasting a reduction of 25 basis points in the target fed funds rate.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

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.

0924-RGR0