Markets and Economy

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

Hard-Hitting 'Soft' Data: Why Surveys Matter

'Soft' reports like sentiment and confidence don't reflect 'hard' data like GDP or CPI. Still, they can affect markets and come with various strengths and weaknesses to consider.

Markets and Economy

Geopolitical Uncertainty and Your Portfolio

Geopolitical developments at home and abroad could have longer-lasting impacts on the markets. Here, three experts discuss what it all means for investors.

International

Equity Diversification in an Era of Concentration

Tech and AI are driving a greater share of global equity market returns and earnings growth, raising concentration risks and the need for broader diversification.

The Way You Make Me Feel: Sentiment's Message

Investors remain cautious despite bullish positioning, as rotations curb speculation while record margin debt and high equity allocations raise longer-term risks.

Markets and Economy

Sentiment Boxes to Check: Market Condition Metrics

Several metrics including Schwab's STAX report, investor sentiment data, and the greed and fear index can help investors glean how participants view market conditions.

Company Earnings

Q2 Tech Earnings Preview: Chips, Memory, Software

Chip, software, and memory maker stocks headline the next wave of tech earnings. Here's what investors should watch, from AI infrastructure demand to memory market competition.

Congress Heads Out, but Washington Keeps Working

There is plenty of activity in Washington that can move the markets, even with Congress in recess. So what should you be watching?

Government Policy

What's in the Fed's Toolbox?

What the Fed's monetary-policy tools signal about the market.

International

Navigating the Global Earnings Boom

The global earnings boom may support stocks, but concentration risks remain. Investors should consider diversifying beyond a narrow group of AI beneficiaries.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks had a volatile week, but are on track for weekly gains, as investors overlook a flare-up in the Iran conflict in favor of Q2 earnings optimism.

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