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

Good Times Bad Times: 2025's Leadership Shifts

The market's rebound from the April lows has had a speculative, risky leadership profile—but broader participation suggests the bull can keep running for now.

Bonds

Bonds vs. Bond Funds: Which Is Right for You?

Not sure which to choose? Here are some things to consider about individual bonds vs. bond funds.

International

Benefits of Emerging Markets Diversification

Emerging market (EM) countries are often generalized as all the same and driven by commodity prices. The reality can be very different. Here's what you should know about EM stocks now.

Debt, Deficits & One Big Beautiful Bill

Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss the latest tariff news and the implications of the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill."

Bonds

Fixed Income: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to questions investors are asking about Treasury bonds, tax policy, credit quality, and other issues affecting fixed income investments.

Markets and Economy

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.

International

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.

Markets and Economy

The Markets Shrug at Geopolitics, for Now

Mike Townsend joins the show to discuss the news out of Washington, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and the market's reaction.

Technical Analysis

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.

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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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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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