Expert Insight & Commentary
Investing
Schwab Bond Insights: The End of Operation Twist
by Rob Williams and Kathy Jones
May 18, 2012
We present Bond Insights from the Schwab Center for Financial Research. This week's topics: The End of Operation Twist; Banks Back in the News; A Closer Look at G.O. Bonds; Choosing Multisector Bond Funds.
by Rob Williams and Kathy Jones
May 18, 2012
We present Bond Insights from the Schwab Center for Financial Research. This week's topics: The End of Operation Twist; Banks Back in the News; A Closer Look at G.O. Bonds; Choosing Multisector Bond Funds.
What to Know About Actively Managed ETFs
by Michael Iachini
May 18, 2012
Actively managed ETFs work differently from traditional ETFs. Learn how they function and when they might or might not make sense for you.
by Michael Iachini
May 18, 2012
Actively managed ETFs work differently from traditional ETFs. Learn how they function and when they might or might not make sense for you.
Schwab Bond Insights: Europe Goes For Growth
by Rob Williams and Kathy Jones
May 4, 2012
We present Bond Insights from the Schwab Center for Financial Research. This week's topics: Europe Goes For Growth; U.S. Autos Bounce Back; Thoughts on K-12 School Bonds; Put a Time on Your Bond Investments.
by Rob Williams and Kathy Jones
May 4, 2012
We present Bond Insights from the Schwab Center for Financial Research. This week's topics: Europe Goes For Growth; U.S. Autos Bounce Back; Thoughts on K-12 School Bonds; Put a Time on Your Bond Investments.
Behavioral Challenges of Sell Decisions
by Greg Forsythe
April 25, 2012
Why it's so hard to decide when to sell a stock.
by Greg Forsythe
April 25, 2012
Why it's so hard to decide when to sell a stock.
Cheap China Transitions to Luxury
by Michelle Gibley
April 25, 2012
Rising wages may slow China's growth near-term, but Chinese consumers and global luxury companies could stand to benefit.
by Michelle Gibley
April 25, 2012
Rising wages may slow China's growth near-term, but Chinese consumers and global luxury companies could stand to benefit.
Bracing for Bondageddon
by Kathy A. Jones
April 18, 2012
Instead of panicking about an imminent spike in bond yields, think strategically about how to manage interest-rate risk in your portfolio.
by Kathy A. Jones
April 18, 2012
Instead of panicking about an imminent spike in bond yields, think strategically about how to manage interest-rate risk in your portfolio.
What to Know About ETFs and Taxes
by Michael Iachini
March 30, 2012
Different ETF structures have different tax implications. Learn how to be tax-smart with ETFs and avoid unpleasant surprises.
by Michael Iachini
March 30, 2012
Different ETF structures have different tax implications. Learn how to be tax-smart with ETFs and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Stock Investment Lessons From the World of Baseball
by Greg Forsythe
March 29, 2012
What the Oakland A's learned about picking ballplayers and Schwab learned about stock selection are that rigorous statistical analysis can help improve the odds of success.
by Greg Forsythe
March 29, 2012
What the Oakland A's learned about picking ballplayers and Schwab learned about stock selection are that rigorous statistical analysis can help improve the odds of success.
Canada's Black Gold
by Michelle Gibley
March 16, 2012
Canada holds the world's second largest oil reserves behind Saudi Arabia. We look at what this means for Canada's economy and stock market.
by Michelle Gibley
March 16, 2012
Canada holds the world's second largest oil reserves behind Saudi Arabia. We look at what this means for Canada's economy and stock market.
Income Investing in a Low-Yield World
by Rob Williams
February 29, 2012
The current low-interest-rate climate is unquestionably difficult for savers and income-oriented investors. What can an investor do?
by Rob Williams
February 29, 2012
The current low-interest-rate climate is unquestionably difficult for savers and income-oriented investors. What can an investor do?
Corporate Bonds: Taking Credit
by Kathy A. Jones
February 27, 2012
For fixed income investors seeking income, we continue to see the risk/reward for investment-grade corporate bonds to be favorable.
by Kathy A. Jones
February 27, 2012
For fixed income investors seeking income, we continue to see the risk/reward for investment-grade corporate bonds to be favorable.
The Business of Feeding the World
by Michelle Gibley
February 24, 2012
Food demand is rising. However, short-term performance of the agribusiness sector can be volatile due to moves in energy prices and the US dollar.
by Michelle Gibley
February 24, 2012
Food demand is rising. However, short-term performance of the agribusiness sector can be volatile due to moves in energy prices and the US dollar.
Cross-Listed International Stocks: Another Investing Alternative
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
February 15, 2012
Cross-listed stocks trade on one or more foreign stock exchanges in addition to a domestic exchange--another way for investors to invest internationally.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
February 15, 2012
Cross-listed stocks trade on one or more foreign stock exchanges in addition to a domestic exchange--another way for investors to invest internationally.
Schwab Equity Ratings® Foundations
by Greg Forsythe
March 5, 2012
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.
by Greg Forsythe
March 5, 2012
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.
Bond-Market Outlook 2012
by Kathy A. Jones
January 31, 2012
The bond market put in a strong performance in 2011, but we don't believe returns are likely to be as strong in the year ahead.
by Kathy A. Jones
January 31, 2012
The bond market put in a strong performance in 2011, but we don't believe returns are likely to be as strong in the year ahead.
Brazil's Turnaround Potential
by Michelle Gibley
January 30, 2012
Brazil isn't as tied to China as many investors think. Could Brazil's economy and stock market get a boost from waning inflation and stimulus plans?
by Michelle Gibley
January 30, 2012
Brazil isn't as tied to China as many investors think. Could Brazil's economy and stock market get a boost from waning inflation and stimulus plans?
The Cost of Waiting for Rates to Rise
by Kathy A. Jones
January 4, 2012
Waiting for interest rates to rise from current levels may mean missing out on current income and compounded returns longer term.
by Kathy A. Jones
January 4, 2012
Waiting for interest rates to rise from current levels may mean missing out on current income and compounded returns longer term.
Looking for a Safe(r) Haven—How About Low-Beta Stocks?
by John Wightkin
December 28, 2011
Tired of stock market volatility? Consider a strategy that has historically delivered market-beating returns—with less risk.
by John Wightkin
December 28, 2011
Tired of stock market volatility? Consider a strategy that has historically delivered market-beating returns—with less risk.
ETF Index Structures: What's the Difference?
by Michael Iachini
December 23, 2011
How indexes are built can have an impact to your ETFs' returns. Learn various ways stock indexes are constructed and how to choose among ETFs that track these different types of indexes.
by Michael Iachini
December 23, 2011
How indexes are built can have an impact to your ETFs' returns. Learn various ways stock indexes are constructed and how to choose among ETFs that track these different types of indexes.
The "Least Ugly" Developed Market Contest
by Michelle Gibley
December 16, 2011
Developed countries as a whole are facing low growth prospects and heavy debt levels. But will there be some relative winners?
by Michelle Gibley
December 16, 2011
Developed countries as a whole are facing low growth prospects and heavy debt levels. But will there be some relative winners?
Municipal Bankruptcies and Defaults—Impact on Muni Bond Investors?
by Rob Williams
December 5, 2011
Despite a handful of notable municipal bankruptcies, the 'silent majority' of muni bond issuers provide plenty of quality opportunities for investors to choose from.
by Rob Williams
December 5, 2011
Despite a handful of notable municipal bankruptcies, the 'silent majority' of muni bond issuers provide plenty of quality opportunities for investors to choose from.
A Second Look at Bank Bonds
By Kathy A. Jones
November 28, 2011
Despite the current environment, we believe high-quality US bank bonds may be a way to add yield in a diversified bond portfolio.
By Kathy A. Jones
November 28, 2011
Despite the current environment, we believe high-quality US bank bonds may be a way to add yield in a diversified bond portfolio.
Selecting the Right REIT for You
by Greg Forsythe
November 25, 2011
Find out what counts and what doesn't when it comes to choosing a REIT.
by Greg Forsythe
November 25, 2011
Find out what counts and what doesn't when it comes to choosing a REIT.
Tax-Loss Harvesting with ETFs
by Michael Iachini
November 25, 2011
Learn how ETFs may help reduce the tax bite on your portfolio.
by Michael Iachini
November 25, 2011
Learn how ETFs may help reduce the tax bite on your portfolio.
China Fear Is a Potential Opportunity
by Michelle Gibley
November 23, 2011
China is weighing heavily on investors' minds. These concerns may be overblown and an investment opportunity could be emerging.
by Michelle Gibley
November 23, 2011
China is weighing heavily on investors' minds. These concerns may be overblown and an investment opportunity could be emerging.
Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Multiple-leg options strategies will involve multiple commissions. Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of the premium received and limit upside potential to the strike price plus premium received. Please read the options disclosure document titled Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before considering any option transaction.