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
Futures

Looking to the Futures

The volatility index rose by 23% in the aftermath of President Trump’s wide-ranging tariff announcement.

Market Volatility

Tariffs Trigger Worst Session Since 2020

U.S. indexes suffered their worst day since the pandemic, hurt by Trump's massive tariffs that sparked recession fears. Almost every sector fell, with retailers and tech hard hit.

Markets and Economy

Market Snapshot | April 2025

Liz Ann Sonders shares her perspective on the U.S. stock market and economy in this monthly Market Snapshot video.

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Update

Stocks plunged 3% on much stronger tariffs than analysts had anticipated. Tech, apparel, and big box stores fell most. Yields and the dollar cratered and volatility spiked.

Bonds

Treasury Bond Markets: Seeking Higher Ground

The combination of slowing economic growth and stubborn inflation, combined with uncertainty about U.S. tariff policy, is keeping investors cautious.

US

The Price You Pay: Valuation Evaluation

Amid a market correction and heightened policy, inflation and growth concerns, valuations are back in the spotlight.

Markets and Economy

Weekly Market Outlook

Chief Global Investment Strategist Jeffrey Kleintop's 90-second take on the markets for the week ahead.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks are on track for weekly losses as newly announced auto tariffs, waning consumer confidence, and stubborn inflation plague investor sentiment.

International

Investor's Guide to the April Tariffs

On April 2, the U.S. is preparing to announce additional tariffs on a wide range of imports and countries. Here's the assessment of those policies, and their possible impacts.

Markets and Economy

Fed Holds Steady, Cites "Elevated Uncertainty"

The Fed held the federal funds rate steady and signaled two rate cuts this year, despite expecting inflation to remain elevated.

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.

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