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

Packed Earnings Slate, Economic Data Loom Large

Earnings season is off to a strong start, but this week's packed reporting calendar and upcoming economic data will test whether the momentum can hold.

Markets and Economy

Stocks Tumble as Trump Escalates Greenland Push

Investors dumped risk assets as Trump's threats of tariffs against Europe over Greenland raised concerns about a trade war and geopolitical stability.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Today, I would like to discuss two different methods that can be utilized to hedge a large cap stock portfolio and provide context to the information necessary to place a proper hedge.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

The Russell 2000 and S&P 500 Equal Weight are on track for weekly gains as money flows towards non-tech areas of the market. Q4 earnings and firm economic data continues to support the bulls' thesis.

Markets and Economy

Fed Speakers, Bank Earnings, TSM Strength in Focus

Investors will be closely watching more bank earnings reports and another group of Fed speakers on Friday after TSM's strong earnings report boosted chip stocks yesterday.

Markets and Economy

More Bank Earnings, Jobless Claims, TSM Ahead

More bank earnings arrive today along with jobless claims and Taiwan Semiconductor results. Tech and banking sectors have struggled this week. Metals continue to rally.

Markets and Economy

PPI Data, Big Bank Results, Retail Sales Line Up

Today features December PPI, earnings from three large banks, and retail sales. Investors also await a possible Supreme Court tariff ruling, while oil rose on Iran worries.

Markets and Economy

The Bond Market in 2026: What Could Go Wrong?

We expect another generally good year for bond returns this year, but even the best-laid plans can go awry when circumstances change. Here are four risks to our outlook.

Government Policy

What Is the Debt Ceiling and Why Does It Matter?

What's the debt ceiling? Learn how the debt ceiling works and how a default on federal debt could impact the U.S. stock market and economy.

Markets and Economy

Banks, CPI, Fed Speeches Follow Mixed Jobs Data

Bank results and the Consumer Price Index are key this week. Jobs data pushed down rate cut odds, but stocks hit new highs as unemployment fell. A 10-year note auction comes today.

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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