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

Volatile Markets Keep Looking Toward Middle East

Though Wall Street embarked on a massive rebound yesterday, choppiness could remain a feature with crude oil elevated. Oracle reports later today and key CPI data comes tomorrow.

Markets and Economy

Crude in Control: Stocks Down as Oil Pares Losses

Though crude is down from Monday's peak, it pared overnight losses and began weighing on stocks amid mixed messages about the war. Oracle reports later and CPI is early tomorrow.

Markets and Economy

After Worst Week in Months, Oil's Influence is Key

Crude oil prices could continue calling the shots this week as war remains front and center. Last Friday's disappointing jobs report raises new economic questions as CPI looms.

International

Iran War: Potential Impact on Global Equities

If tensions de-escalate soon, there could be relatively little impact on international markets. However, risks will rise if global energy supplies face a prolonged disruption.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Crude oil futures (/CLJ26) rose sharply the past week as the Iran war has halted most of the transport of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil shipments.

Markets and Economy

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

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.

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 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