Markets and Economy

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

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.

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.

Schwab Market Update

Today often kicks off the Santa Claus rally. Stocks rose and volatility is down sharply from recent peaks, but yields keep rising, which has hurt the non-tech part of the market.

Looking to the Futures

Markets pushed higher yesterday clawing back some of last week's losses to kick off the shortened holiday week.

Today's Options Market Update

Stocks are mostly higher ahead of the holiday-shortened week as investors hope Santa Claus will pay a visit to Wall Street this year.

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?

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.

PCE Price Data Ahead After Fed's Cautious Outlook

Today features PCE prices, the inflation report most closely watched by the Fed, as well as a look at consumer sentiment. Washington is also in focus amid a shutdown showdown.

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.

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.