Markets and Economy
Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions
Fireworks Spark Amid Hot Jobs Numbers
The economy added more jobs than expected in June and unemployment fell. The hot jobs report got a lukewarm reception from traders who may already be focused on the holiday.
Easy Money? Rate Cuts May Not Ease Borrowing Costs
Though some urge rate cuts, doing that won't necessarily reduce borrowing costs if the market doesn't agree with the timing. It could raise inflation fears, hurting Treasuries.
Energy: Global Excess or Shortage of Power?
Israel-Iran hostilities brought a short-term market focus on oil. Longer term, artificial intelligence (AI) electricity needs could create a power shortage, as well as opportunities and risks for investors.
Breadth Check: Strength and Weakness Trend Tracker
Market breadth can help gauge strength or weakness. Methods include tracking the number of stocks trading above or below moving averages or making new highs or lows.
What's Going On…With Inflation
Inflation's trend has been favorable this year, but a growing conflict in Iran—combined with already-imposed tariffs—might put upward pressure in prices later this year.
IPO Market Starts to Warm After Slow Start to 2025
After a long dry spell, there are signs of life in the initial public offerings space. An increase in offerings can sometimes suggest an improvement in overall market sentiment.
Fed Keeps Rates Steady, Says Risks Still Elevated
The Fed held the federal funds rate steady but noted that the risks of inflation and potentially higher unemployment remained high.
Schwab Market Perspective: 2025 Mid-Year Outlook
Tariff policy has clouded expectations for the second half of the year, but there are ways to navigate through the fog.
"Yen-Carry" Anniversary Nears, but Worries Fade
Summer re-runs are popular on TV, but a repeat of last August's "yen-carry" market upheaval isn't likely on the schedule. A shift in positioning by investors is one reason.
2025 Mid-Year Outlook: U.S. Stocks and Economy
The U.S. economy and stock market face a confluence of challenges in the second half of the year, keeping the bar relatively (but not restrictively) high for outperformance.