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 have moved into negative territory around midday following a higher open on the heels of a cooler-than-expected Producer Price Index (PPI) report.

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

Schwab Market Update

December Producer Price Index data was below expectations at 0.2%, with core PPI flat. This seemed to refresh equities and weigh on yields and the dollar ahead of the open.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Stock prices rebounded off earlier lows yesterday in an attempt to recover from Friday's sell off.

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.

Markets and Economy

Does the Resilient Economy Equal a Higher Potential Growth Rate?

Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones examine why the economy continues to show resilience despite higher interest rates and inflation concerns.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks are on pace for a down week as rising bond yields rattle investor confidence. Volatility is likely to remain elevated next week, driven by the monthly inflation data and unofficial kickoff to Q4 earnings season.

Government Policy

New Congress Faces Massive Policy Agenda

Donald Trump and Republicans support sweeping changes that could affect the economy, markets and investors. But narrow margins in Congress could complicate that agenda.

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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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