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

Schwab's Market Perspective: 2026 Outlook

Investors are navigating not just uncertainty, but an unstable environment influenced by tariffs and inflation, among other factors. While volatility may increase, there is likely room for another solid year in 2026, especially for fixed income and international stocks.

Markets and Economy

Fed Cuts Rates for the Third Time This Year

The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points, as widely expected. However, Fed Chairman Powell hinted at a pause ahead, and there were several dissents.

Trading Tools

Tracking Lesser-Known Economic Indicators

Researching lesser-known economic indicators on the thinkorswim® platform is a low-effort way to potentially elevate an investor's game.

2026 Outlook: U.S. Stocks and Economy

We believe the macro environment will continue to be unstable given policy crosscurrents and a wobbly labor market, but stocks can likely churn higher given a firmer earnings backdrop.

International

2026 Outlook: International Stocks and Economy

International stocks could be poised for another strong year in 2026 due to accelerating global growth, attractive valuations and the potential for dollar weakness.

Implications of a New Fed Chair Nominee

Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones review the Federal Reserve’s latest dilemma and the complexity of policy setting in this environment.

Bonds

2026 Outlook: Treasury Bonds and Fixed Income

Overall, we expect 2026 to be another good year of returns for bond investors, but the range of potential outcomes is wide.

Markets and Economy

Utilities Lose Defensive Touch as AI Ignites Rally

Thanks to AI-generated power demand, the utilities sector is losing its traditional defensive role. Is this a permanent move, or will utilities ultimately regain their place?

Markets and Economy

Are Transports Losing Their Barometer Status?

Amid tech competition and industry challenges, transports—long seen as an economic barometer—were outpaced by major indexes over the last year. Is the sector still a useful tool?

Stocks: Less Comfortably Numb

After a gangbuster stock market rally since the early-April lows, many of the prior highfliers have taken a breather amid AI bubble and valuation concerns.

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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.

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.

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Forex trading involves leverage, carries a substantial level of risk, and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure for Forex.

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