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

Major U.S. stock indexes appeared to be headed for early gains ahead of the conclusion of the last FOMC meeting of 2024. The Dow has closed lower for nine consecutive sessions.

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.

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Update

Major U.S. stock indexes appeared to be headed for early gains ahead of the conclusion of the last FOMC meeting of 2024. The Dow has closed lower for nine consecutive sessions.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Natural gas prices have been on a downward trend due to higher temperatures in the northern hemisphere but closed higher in Tuesday’s trading.

Markets and Economy

After Monday's Drop, Wall Street on Yield Watch

Investors have their eyes on Treasury yields following Monday's losses fueled partly by a yield rally. Rates could stay in focus ahead of Treasury auctions and CPI later this week.

International

Top Five Surprises for 2025

Surprises most often are hiding in plain sight. Being aware and prepared with a plan for the unexpected are keys to achieving goals.

Markets and Economy

The Fed Highlights a Big Week Ahead

A host of economic reports and earnings are expected to be released in the days ahead, and the Fed will hold a two-day meeting, its last of the year.

Markets and Economy

Yields, Broadcom in Focus as Busy Data Week Ends

Inflation and jobless claims data paint a mixed picture ahead of the Fed meeting. Investors are pondering Broadcom's results and a sharp rise in yields over the last few days.

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Perspective: 2025 Outlook

We expect gears to shift as potential policy changes under the Trump administration add to uncertainty about inflation and the global economy.

Markets and Economy

2025 Market Outlook: U.S. Stocks & Economy & Global Markets

As we approach 2025, what can investors expect from U.S. stocks and the global markets in the new year?

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.

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