Markets and Economy

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

market volatility government policy international sectors us

Waiting for Jobs Data, Watching Crude and War News

Today's February nonfarm payrolls report might shift attention from war news, at least for the moment. Analysts expect a gain of 60,000 jobs, down from 130,000 in January.

Markets and Economy

Stocks Dive as Oil Surges, U.S. Loses 92,000 Jobs

Surging oil sent stocks lower as Persian Gulf shipping basically halted, and losses accelerated after the U.S. lost 92,000 jobs in February. Analysts had expected a rise of 60,000.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Gold prices continued to fall on Thursday, as a strengthening dollar maintained pressure on the precious metal

Markets and Economy

Awaiting Key Jobs Data, Investors Monitor War News

Though war news may continue to dominate, investors are also focused on Friday's February jobs report and yesterday's Broadcom results. Productivity and monthly layoff data loom.

Smoke on the Water…Fire Under the Surface

Notwithstanding developments in the Iran conflict, there are important leadership shifts still at play within the equity market, which emphasize the importance of diversification.

Markets and Economy

Bears in Control as War Rages, Volatility Flares

Despite another late recovery attempt Tuesday, the market remains in largely negative straits as war keeps oil prices elevated. Broadcom reports later and ADP jobs data looms.

Markets and Economy

Still Tracking Middle East, Market Awaits Earnings

Stocks showed resilience Monday despite crude's rally after war erupted in the Middle East. Today brings earnings from consumer giants, as well as from software firm CrowdStrike.

Markets and Economy

Iran War Puts Oil Prices, Volatility in Spotlight

War in the Middle East shifted focus to oil prices and could trigger volatility and a flight to perceived safety. Trading might be turbulent until ramifications grow clearer.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Major indices are on track for modest losses as investors navigate concerns around AI disruption, private credit, and geopolitics.

The Fed's Balancing Act for 2026 (With Claudia Sahm)

Claudia Sahm discusses the Fed's balance sheet and the impact of AI on the labor markets. And Kathy Jones announces her upcoming retirement.

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.

0924-RGR0