Markets and Economy

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

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.

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.

Looking to the Futures

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

Today's Options Market Update

Stocks are hovering around the flatline after Tuesday's rise with rising Treasury yields hamstringing conviction.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Stocks Plunge After Fed Outlook Disappoints

U.S. stocks retreated as the Fed indicated it likely would lower rates only twice in 2025. The Dow dropped more than 1,000 points, and the S&P slid almost 3%. The Nasdaq lost 3.6%.