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

Data Picture Still Foggy as Shutdown's End Awaited

Stocks are up this week as investors await a House vote to end the shutdown. Today brings Cisco earnings, followed by Disney tomorrow. Nvidia is in focus after Tuesday's retreat.

Markets and Economy

Tech Up, Led by Nvidia, as Shutdown Vote Awaited

Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices led tech higher on signs of surging AI demand, while the broader market saw widening interest. Congress could vote today to end the shutdown.

Markets and Economy

Gov. Shutdown Nears End, Fed Speakers In-Focus

Markets eye a potential end to the government shutdown while turning attention to a busy week of Fed speakers, with investors looking for clues on the path of interest rates.

Desert Song: Relying on Alt Data for Economic Pulse

While we wait for federal data to come back online, private sector gauges continue to underscore still-weak manufacturing, resilient services, and mediocre job growth.

Markets and Economy

Tech Earnings, Disney, Treasury Auctions in Focus

After a week dominated by worries over the shutdown and AI valuations, investors face Treasury auctions, Disney results, and a handful of reports from firms exposed to AI demand.

Markets and Economy

After an AI Sell-Off, Market Awaits Sentiment News

Thursday's AI-driven sell-off was the third big drop for the Nasdaq over the last month and suggests speculative and momentum trading losing steam. Consumer sentiment is due today.

Markets and Economy

Jobs Data Ahead as Qualcomm, Arm Results Mulled

Investors await job cuts data and scrutinize results from Qualcomm, Arm Holdings, and DoorDash. Stocks bounced yesterday as the Supreme Court heard tariff arguments. Chips gained.

International

What Happened to Germany's Spending Boom?

German officials announced a massive stimulus program in early 2025. The results have been underwhelming so far, but we believe the economic boost to Germany and Europe is still coming.

Markets and Economy

Fed Cuts Rates for the Second Time This Year

The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points, as widely expected. However, dissenting votes may cloud the path forward.

Markets and Economy

How to Effectively Read the Fed's Beige Book

Effectively reading the Federal Reserve's Beige Book can help investors spot economic, industry, and consumer trends that could potentially impact investment portfolios.

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