Markets and Economy

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

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Markets Fluctuate on August Jobs Growth of 22K

Jobs growth in August landed below expectations and previous months' data was revised downward again ahead of the next Fed decision about rates. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%.

Take the Long Way Home: Is Housing Bottoming?

The housing market remains out of sync with the broader economy as affordability is depressed, but an improvement in supply and demand dynamics might be on the horizon.

Markets and Economy

How to Effectively Read Federal Reserve Minutes

Learning to read the Fed minutes effectively can help traders understand the central bank's policy-making process, sentiment, and rate expectations, all of which can impact markets.

International

Will a Weak Dollar Enhance International Returns?

International stocks have outperformed the broad U.S. stock market so far this year. If the U.S. dollar continues to weaken, it could boost international returns even more.

Company Earnings

Nvidia Earnings Ahead with China, AI Spend in Focus

Nvidia, the biggest AI-chip firm, reports Wednesday. Watchlist items include the pathway toward resuming H20 chip sales in China, revenue guidance, and Blackwell growth.

Markets and Economy

Health Care Sector Struggles as Pharma Tariffs Loom

U.S. health care stocks are having their worst year relative to the S&P 500 in years, and the next blow could be pharma tariffs. Still, some retail investors see opportunity.

Company Earnings

Q2 Retail Earnings Preview: Demand in Question

Major retailers preparing to report are still facing uncertainty around tariffs' impact on prices and shopper demand. Fresh worries arose after disappointing July jobs data.

Inflation: The Heat Is On?

July inflation data emphasized that tariff-related price pressures are still with us, in addition to some heat in the services sector—making the road to Fed cuts a bit bumpier.

Markets and Economy

Schwab's Market Perspective: Downshifting

U.S. economic growth slowed decisively in the first half of the year amid concern about rising tariffs, although corporate fundamentals have remained strong.

International

Europe's Economic Future: A Bright Spot?

While growth may slow in the near term, Europe's longer-term outlook appears to be improving.

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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.

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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.

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