Markets and Economy

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

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Markets and Economy

Quiet Trading Likely as Markets Kick off 2026

Stocks start 2026 on a four-day skid after another drop Wednesday amid little news. Trading could be light between the holiday and the weekend. No major data or earnings are due.

Markets and Economy

AI Shares Spark New Year's Rally After 4-Day Slump

After four straight losing sessions to finish 2025, the new year begins with major indexes rising thanks to strength in the AI sector. Next week features a host of U.S. jobs data.

Futures

Looking to the Futures

Markets and investors wished 2025 farewell on Wednesday with most major indices dipping lower on the last trading day of the year. S&P 500 Futures (/ESH26) settled at 6892.5 on Wednesday down from its previous close of 6944.25.

Markets and Economy

Farewell, 2025: Stocks Down for Week, up 17% YTD

The S&P 500 index is down three straight days but up 17% for the year. Jobless claims are the only data on tap but today is a full trading session before tomorrow's holiday.

Markets and Economy

Minutes Ahead: Investors Get Look at Rate Debate

In an otherwise slow holiday week, one highlight is Fed minutes due at 2 p.m. ET. Thin volume has made trends tough to track, and stocks fell Monday amid tech and metals weakness.

Markets and Economy

Shortened Trading Week Features Fed Minutes

Fed minutes tomorrow highlight another holiday-shortened week where volume could be light. No major earnings or data are due, and trading is shortened Wednesday and shut Thursday.

Trading

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks were able to register a late-week recovery, largely supported by yesterday's inflation data, but it's unclear whether a year-end rally is in the cards for investors.

Closing Thoughts on a Year of Uncertainty

At the end of 2025, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones assess the resiliency of the economy.

Markets and Economy

CPI Next with Stocks in 4-Day Slump as Tech Wilts

The S&P 500 starts today on a four-day losing streak ahead of an ECB rate decision and U.S. CPI. Analysts expect a 0.3% headline inflation rise. FedEx and Nike report later today.

Markets and Economy

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.

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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