ETFs: How Much Do They Really Cost?

by Bill Swerbenski
November 19, 2009

What are the costs associated with an ETF? We'll help you understand four types of potential costs: commissions, management fees, bid/ask spreads, and changes in discounts and premiums to NAV.

Choosing Between ETFs and Mutual Funds

by Michael Iachini
November 17, 2009

Do you need active trading, niche exposure or the broadest selection of funds? Learn about pros and cons of ETFs, and index or actively managed mutual funds.
 

Investing in Bonds if the Dollar Falls

by Rob Williams
Updated November 13, 2009

What a falling US dollar, eventual rising interest rates and potential inflation all could mean for bond investors—and what you should consider for each scenario.
    

The Pros and Cons of Bond Sectors and Types

by Rob Williams
November 11, 2009

Fixed income securities come in many different types. A look at four key sectors, the pros and cons of each, and how they might fit in your portfolio.
    

Don't Buy Low … Buy High | 中文

by John Wightkin
November 10, 2009

Find out why you don't want to buy stocks at the 52-week low but rather at the 52-week high.

MuniWatch: Investing Wisely in Municipal Bonds Today

by Rob Williams
October 14, 2009

Why we see opportunity in municipal bonds, especially for high-tax investors using taxable accounts—plus, a look at large states of particular interest to Schwab investors.
    

Commercial Real Estate: Rocky Road Ahead Favors REITs

by Daniel O'Connor
October 13, 2009

Although defaults on commercial property loans are rising, real estate investment trusts (REITs) appear to be well positioned as the economy recovers. 
 

Are You Taking on Too Much Risk?

by Bryan Olson
October 12, 2009
 
There are many factors to consider when determining your risk profile, but most important for achieving your goals is doing so honestly.
 

What's Up With This Market? | 中文

by John Wightkin
October 13, 2009

A look at what's driving this market. Plus, find out which strategies to consider next.

Cash Q&A: We Answer Your Questions

by Rob Williams
Updated September 30, 2009 
 
Read our answers to client questions about CDs, FDIC protection, the safety of various cash investments, where to invest emergency funds, and more. 
 

ETFs and ETNs: A Cautionary Tale

by Michael Iachini
September 28, 2009

How do exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded notes compare? See examples of the risks involved, especially during times of market volatility.

How to Use Schwab's ETF Tools

by Michael Iachini
September 25, 2009

Learn how to fill asset classes, sectors and bond niches using tools like Schwab's ETF Screener, Portfolio Analyzer and Portfolio Checkup.
 

Don't Be Surprised This Reporting Season | 中文

by John Wightkin
September 15, 2009

Find out how surprise anticipation can help you this earnings reporting season.

How Secure Is the FDIC Deposit Insurance Fund?

by Rob Williams
Updated September 16, 2009 
 
Despite the increasing number of failed and problem banks, we think that bank depositors, including those holding CDs from insured banks, should feel secure.
 

Leveraged and Inverse ETFs: Not Right for Everyone

by Michael Iachini
September 14, 2009

Both of these strategies have costs and risks of their own. See examples, and learn why you should be cautious in up and down markets.

Schwab Bond Sector Views: Repositioning During the Recovery

by Rob Williams
September 2, 2009

Why we see opportunity in high-grade corporate bonds and municipal bonds, but suggest caution with US Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities.
    

Q&A: Government Bonds

by Rob Williams
August 19, 2009

Answers to clients’ questions on government bonds—and ideas for how to invest in them now.
    

ETFs: Beyond the Hype

by Michael Iachini
August 17, 2009

Are ETFs right for you? Here are smart ways you might use ETFs in your portfolio.
 

5 Myths About ETFs

by Michael Iachini
August 14, 2009

All exchange-traded funds are cheap, easy-to-trade, tax-efficient index funds. Or are they? Find out why it pays to look beyond your first assumptions.
 

Invest Intelligently in ETFs

by Michael Iachini
August 13, 2009

Learn about the three main types of ETFs: traditional, niche and exotic. What are they, and when might they be right for you? 
 

Reaching for Yield Without Getting Burned | 中文

by John Wightkin
August 11, 2009

We show income investors looking for stocks with high dividend yields how to pick those likely to perform best.
 

California's Budget Crisis and Its Impact on Muni Bonds

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
August 5, 2009

After lengthy legislative negotiations, California finally passed a budget that closed a $26 billion shortfall. What we think this means for municipal bond investors.
    

Schwab Equity Ratings Foundations

by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
August 4, 2009

An 8-part series to help you use the Ratings in your stock picking. Learn about the stock characteristics we analyze, the traits of winners and losers, and frequently asked questions.
 

How You Can Utilize Stock Market Volatility

by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 31, 2009

A volatility index, known as the VIX, can help you gauge future volatility. See examples of how to use the VIX in your stock strategy.
 

CIT, California and the Fallout in Today's Bond Markets

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 29, 2009

There's been lots of news about CIT Group's severe financial troubles and California's ugly budget mess. But what do these crises mean for bond investors?