Owning only the U.S. stock market likely means being overweight Tech. But Tech stocks don't always outperform. Investors may want to look outside the U.S. to be diversified.
How to help position your portfolio in anticipation of an economic downturn.
Schwab Sector Views is our six- to 12-month outlook for stock sectors, which represent broad sectors of the economy. The Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR) combines a factor-based approach with a market and economic assessment to determine the ratings.
U.S. Treasury auctions are of interest lately due to growing U.S. debt and high interest rates. What are Treasury auctions, how do they work, and what should investors know?
This year's tale of two markets has underscored resilience at the index level but considerable weakness at the individual member level, leading to massive performance divergences.
Investment-grade corporate bonds remain attractive given their lower risk and relatively high yields. Long-term investors who can handle volatility might consider high-yield bonds and preferred securities, but we wouldn't suggest large positions in either.
A top risk for investors, elections may see a shift from centrist to more populist policy that could slow exports, raise inflation, and increase volatility in the global markets.
As expected, the Federal Reserve kept its policy rate unchanged at the June meeting, but left the door open to rate cuts later this year if inflation declines.
Certain segments of the economy and stock market have experienced much stronger recoveries this year, underscoring a severe bifurcation between the "haves" and "have nots."
Looking into the second half of the year, we are optimistic that returns will be stronger, but also expect volatility to remain elevated.
Historically, the level of U.S. debt has had no correlation with the performance of the stock or bond markets.
As the global economy builds on its recovery this year, markets may see increased volatility due to divergent central bank policies, geopolitics and election outcomes.
Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
Discounted municipal bonds could expose you to unexpected taxes. Here's what to know before you buy.
Predicting Fed rate changes may be an inexact exercise, but understanding how the tools that do track it work can help investors weather uncertain markets.
The housing market looks to be on the road to recovery, but not without significant scarring for a considerable portion of potential homeowners.
The two largest emerging markets have taken very different paths, echoing the divergence in the economic and demographic landscape for these two countries.
Nvidia faces tough competition, law of large numbers as it prepares to report Wednesday.
Inflation data has continued to fuel uncertainty about when the Federal Reserve will begin to cut interest rates. It's a question with global implications.
Walmart kicks off retail earnings season as high interest rates and inflation raise concerns over continued robust consumer spending.
Bank lending standards are still restrictive, underscoring the Fed's view that financial conditions remain tight and any resulting economic weakness could keep rate cuts in play.
Europe's mild recession is over, with growth expected to continue. Valuations for eurozone stocks remain attractive, offering the potential for further price appreciation.
As expected, the Federal Reserve kept its policy rate unchanged at the May meeting, but left the door open to rate cuts later this year if inflation declines.
First-quarter earnings results have been healthy thus far, but key to the ongoing rally will be companies' recovery in revenue growth and strengthening forward guidance.
The AI-driven cloud and chip industries come into focus in the next month as Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and others prepare to report earnings.
We believe high-yield munis carry additional risks, but are worth consideration by investors in higher tax brackets who are comfortable taking added risks.
Dollar strength resulting from central banks' independent policies on rate cuts is unlikely to be tampered by China's deflation or geopolitics.
Reviewing the basics can keep you from being caught off guard if your investment is returned to you before the stated maturity date.
While major indexes have seemingly been calm this year, there are notable and stealthy sector leadership shifts that have happened under the surface.
There are signs that some previous "rolling recessions" are starting to turn into rolling recoveries.
The first quarter was strong for major U.S. investment banks as the economy grew and M&A and IPO activity accelerated.
Earnings growth, a driver of long-term stock market performance, seems to be expanding beyond a handful of U.S. equities, supporting more broad-based market performance.
Emerging-market local-currency bonds have rallied sharply since last October, along with other risky segments of the global bond market. However, navigating the market can be challenging.
Inflation looks to still be trending lower, but a relatively stubborn decline will likely inspire the Fed to start cutting rates later (and slower) than expected.
Over the past 70 years, rising government debt generally has been accompanied by weaker economic activity. But it's not a simple relationship.
Our outlook is still positive, but it may be difficult to replicate the strong returns of the past few quarters.
Changes in China's economic policy tend not be communicated prior to implementation. What can we expect from China's stock market in response to any shifts?
There have been several big changes in the municipal bond market lately. Here's what you should know.
The Federal Reserve suggested that interest rates likely will move lower, but perhaps not as quickly as markets had been expecting.
Between adjustments in Fed policy and a coming presidential election, it's going to be an emotional year, but historical data shows staying invested is the best course for investors.
The Federal Reserve weighs the data while investors wonder: When will rate cuts begin?
Sentiment data is beginning to match relatively strong "hard" economic data.
Global elections may lean towards nationalist policies that could hinder trade in goods via tariffs, but also boost growth in domestic industries to counter inflationary effects.
India's prospects are bright, but the country faces significant headwinds. Here's what to know as an investor.
Although a strong economy has changed expectations about the timing and magnitude of interest rate cuts, we still see room for the Federal Reserve to cut by three-quarters of a point this year.
Investor sentiment and stock market valuations are getting increasingly stretched as indexes trek higher, but solid underlying breadth has been a positive offset for now.
The second-largest stock market has captured the interest of investors, supported by stronger, more broad-based earnings, and incentivized by Japan's fiscal and monetary policies.
Short-term bond yields are high currently, but with the Federal Reserve poised to cut interest rates investors may want to consider longer-term bonds or bond funds.
The chip sector comes into sharp focus ahead of a key earnings report, with signs of divergence in the sector.
