Insights & Education

Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing 

The latest commentary

Early Market Gains After Plunge

Major indexes made moderate gains pre-market a day after a dramatic plunge in the wake of the Fed's new forecast on rate cuts. Yields climbed above 4.5% after GDP came in higher.

December 19, 2024 Joe Mazzola

Major Indexes Sink on Fed News

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%.

December 18, 2024

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.

December 18, 2024

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.

December 16, 2024

2025 Wealth Management Outlook

Stay on track in 2025 to reach your financial goals by anticipating tax changes, managing inflation concerns, and being aware of risk management costs.

December 16, 2024

Market updates

Today's Options Market Update

Nathan Peterson
December 19, 2024
Stock Graph

Looking to the Futures

Ryan Hinsen
December 19, 2024

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Nathan Peterson
December 13, 2024

Investing Basics

Investing Basics: Stocks

Stocks are one of the most common investments. Learn what stocks are, the risks associated with them, and the role they can play in an investment portfolio.

September 19, 2023

Investing Basics: Bonds

Watch to learn the basics of bonds and how investors might use them to preserve capital and pursue extra income.

February 16, 2023


The Power of Compounding

Compound interest can potentially help investments grow over time.

May 07, 2024

Planning for Retirement

Learn the basics of retirement planning, like setting a retirement goal, choosing between a Roth and Traditional IRA, and deciding how to manage your investments.

February 27, 2023

Investing Basics: ETFs

Learn about the risks and potential rewards of exchange-traded funds, also known as ETFs.

April 18, 2023

Technical Analysis

Looking to understand how to read stock charts? Start learning the basics of using charts, identifying trends, applying price patterns, and using charting indicators.

October 19, 2023

Popular in trading

Trading Near the Bells

What to know about the market's two most volatile trading hours.

November 26, 2024 Kevin Horner

Inside the Mind of a Trader

Schwab's video series Inside the Mind of a Trader examines the brain activity and thought processes of top traders to uncover what it means to trade brilliantly.

September 09, 2024

What Is Day Trading?

If you're a frequent trader, you could face permanent restrictions if you fall afoul of the pattern day trader rule.

June 25, 2024

Swing Trading Stock Strategies

Learn some of the basic entry and exit signals and money management techniques used in swing trading.

May 14, 2024

Ins and Outs of Short Selling

Make sure you understand the risks of short selling before taking the plunge.

March 11, 2024

Planning and retirement

Is an IRA Right for You?

IRAs can help you build wealth for retirement and potentially get tax breaks, either up front or in the future. 

December 19, 2024

What Is an IRA?

Looking for a tax-smart way to save for your future? Find out what an IRA is, what it offers, and how the three main types differ.

December 17, 2024


Personal Finance Calendar

A month-by-month guide to help get your finances in top shape this year.

December 17, 2024

2025 Wealth Management Outlook

Stay on track in 2025 to reach your financial goals by anticipating tax changes, managing inflation concerns, and being aware of risk management costs.

December 16, 2024

Reducing RMDs With QCDs

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can be a great way to reduce required minimum distributions (RMDs) and optimize the tax benefits of giving.

December 13, 2024

Small Business Reporting Rules

What small-business owners need to know about the new Corporate Transparency Act.

December 13, 2024

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Equity and index 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.

Investing involves risk, including, for some products, more than your initial investment.

Hedging and protective strategies generally involve additional costs and do not assure a profit or guarantee against loss.

With long options, investors may lose 100% of funds invested.

Spread trading must be done in a margin account.

Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple transaction costs. 

Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of premiums received, and prevent any profitability above the strike price of the call.

Futures, and Futures options 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: https://www.schwab.com/resource/forex-risk-disclosure-statement.

Futures and forex accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Forex accounts do not receive a preference in any bankruptcy proceeding pursuant to Part 190 of the CFTC’s regulations.

Read additional CFTC and NFA futures and forex public disclosures for Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC.

Futures, futures options, and forex trading services provided by Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify. Forex accounts are not available to residents of Ohio or Arizona.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC., is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC (NFA Member) and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC) are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

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