Expert Insight & Commentary
Market Commentary
Month of May: Sell and Go Away, or Hang in There?
by Liz Ann Sonders
May 14, 2012
In the battle of macro versus micro, the former is currently winning. But this may be the year investors don't want to "sell in May."
by Liz Ann Sonders
May 14, 2012
In the battle of macro versus micro, the former is currently winning. But this may be the year investors don't want to "sell in May."
Schwab Market Perspective: Here We Go Again....or Not?
by Liz Ann Sonders, Brad Sorensen and Michelle Gibley
May 11, 2012
Concerns are rising that 2012 may be a repeat of the previous two years. The picture is different, but confidence remains key.
by Liz Ann Sonders, Brad Sorensen and Michelle Gibley
May 11, 2012
Concerns are rising that 2012 may be a repeat of the previous two years. The picture is different, but confidence remains key.
Panic Is Not a Strategy—Nor Is Greed
by Liz Ann Sonders
Updated May 10, 2012
In a world where time horizons have shrunk precipitously, think longer-term.
by Liz Ann Sonders
Updated May 10, 2012
In a world where time horizons have shrunk precipitously, think longer-term.
Schwab Sector Views: Diving into Dividends
by Brad Sorensen
May 10, 2012
Our current sector recommendations reflect our overall view on the economic outlook, while also taking into account specific sector influences.
by Brad Sorensen
May 10, 2012
Our current sector recommendations reflect our overall view on the economic outlook, while also taking into account specific sector influences.
One Step Closer: Fed Keeps Rates Low But Gets More Hawkish
by Liz Ann Sonders
April 25, 2012
There were few fireworks in the Fed's statement, but its projections for growth, employment, inflation and the timing of rate hikes are slightly more hawkish.
by Liz Ann Sonders
April 25, 2012
There were few fireworks in the Fed's statement, but its projections for growth, employment, inflation and the timing of rate hikes are slightly more hawkish.
Ride the Wave of Crude?
by Brad Sorensen
April 16, 2012
Crude oil and gas prices have been grabbing the headlines—but does that mean investors should load up on energy positions?
by Brad Sorensen
April 16, 2012
Crude oil and gas prices have been grabbing the headlines—but does that mean investors should load up on energy positions?
Black: Swans and Crude
by Liz Ann Sonders
February 27, 2012
With heightened sensitivity to possible geopolitical crises, what does history tell us? And what's an appropriate game plan for investors?
by Liz Ann Sonders
February 27, 2012
With heightened sensitivity to possible geopolitical crises, what does history tell us? And what's an appropriate game plan for investors?
A Rush of Blood to the Head: Rally Wakes Up Individual Investors
by Liz Ann Sonders
February 13, 2012
Investors' behavior, allocations and sentiment can give hints about the present and future path of markets. A reallocation from bonds to stocks could be nigh.
by Liz Ann Sonders
February 13, 2012
Investors' behavior, allocations and sentiment can give hints about the present and future path of markets. A reallocation from bonds to stocks could be nigh.
Rock Bottom: Housing May Have Already Hit It
by Liz Ann Sonders
January 17, 2012
Housing was not a negative contributor to US gross domestic product last year—for the first time since 2005. Could 2012 be a positive year?
by Liz Ann Sonders
January 17, 2012
Housing was not a negative contributor to US gross domestic product last year—for the first time since 2005. Could 2012 be a positive year?
A Look Ahead: 2012 Expert Roundtable
by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 30, 2011
What 2012 may hold for investors and how to be prepared.
by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 30, 2011
What 2012 may hold for investors and how to be prepared.
A New Age in Technology
by Brad Sorensen
November 23, 2011
Technology as a defensive sector? We believe tech has many attractive qualities that warrant our current outperform rating.
by Brad Sorensen
November 23, 2011
Technology as a defensive sector? We believe tech has many attractive qualities that warrant our current outperform rating.
Beyond the Supercommittee
by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 22, 2011
The supercommittee failed to reach an agreement. What does this mean for the US budget, tax code and economy going forward?
by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 22, 2011
The supercommittee failed to reach an agreement. What does this mean for the US budget, tax code and economy going forward?
Fed Fights for Relevance
by Brad Sorensen
November 2, 2011
The Federal Reserve chose to stand pat but they continue to try to communicate their intentions to market participants—but does it matter?
by Brad Sorensen
November 2, 2011
The Federal Reserve chose to stand pat but they continue to try to communicate their intentions to market participants—but does it matter?
Born in the USA: A Look at What Could Go Right
by Liz Ann Sonders
October 31, 2011
We're constantly inundated by negative stories, and despair is rampant, but could the next decade be much better than we think? If so, why?
by Liz Ann Sonders
October 31, 2011
We're constantly inundated by negative stories, and despair is rampant, but could the next decade be much better than we think? If so, why?
Business, Sector Cycles: Where Are We Now?
by Brad Sorensen
September 29, 2011
Sectors typically follow the economic business cycle. We believe we're entering an upturn in the cycle and have adjusted our sector views accordingly.
by Brad Sorensen
September 29, 2011
Sectors typically follow the economic business cycle. We believe we're entering an upturn in the cycle and have adjusted our sector views accordingly.
The Fed Twists and the Market Turns
by Liz Ann Sonders
September 21, 2011
The Fed's announcement of 'Operation Twist' was no elixir for markets, which continue to tremble over concerns about the eurozone debt crisis and global growth.
by Liz Ann Sonders
September 21, 2011
The Fed's announcement of 'Operation Twist' was no elixir for markets, which continue to tremble over concerns about the eurozone debt crisis and global growth.
The End of the Line: Eurozone Crisis Hits Tipping Point
by Liz Ann Sonders and Michelle Gibley
September 12, 2011
A comprehensive (read: longer than usual) look at the eurozone debt crisis, its critical juncture and its implications for global markets and the economy.
by Liz Ann Sonders and Michelle Gibley
September 12, 2011
A comprehensive (read: longer than usual) look at the eurozone debt crisis, its critical juncture and its implications for global markets and the economy.
What to Expect From the Deficit "Supercommittee"
by Michael Townsend
August 26, 2010
The August agreement that increased the federal debt ceiling created a 12-member committee on deficit reduction. What could it mean for investors?
by Michael Townsend
August 26, 2010
The August agreement that increased the federal debt ceiling created a 12-member committee on deficit reduction. What could it mean for investors?
Volatility Continues: Are the Markets Overreacting?
by Liz Ann Sonders, Michelle Gibley, and Brad Sorensen
Updated August 22, 2011
by Liz Ann Sonders, Michelle Gibley, and Brad Sorensen
Updated August 22, 2011
Breaking Commentary: Fed Gains Disappear
by Liz Ann Sonders, Michelle Gibley, and Brad Sorensen
August 10, 2011
Stocks gave up yesterday’s sharp gains with another severe drop. Confidence was again shaken as France gained the spotlight.
by Liz Ann Sonders, Michelle Gibley, and Brad Sorensen
August 10, 2011
Stocks gave up yesterday’s sharp gains with another severe drop. Confidence was again shaken as France gained the spotlight.
Fed Signals Rates will be Lower for Longer
by Kathy A. Jones
August 9, 2011
The Fed promises low rates into 2013, but admits they are surprised by the slow pace of recovery.
by Kathy A. Jones
August 9, 2011
The Fed promises low rates into 2013, but admits they are surprised by the slow pace of recovery.
Breaking Commentary: Dow Drops More Than 600
by Liz Ann Sonders
Updated August 8, 2011
The hit to confidence as a result of the torturous debt-ceiling negotiations and the S&P downgrade may not go away soon.
by Liz Ann Sonders
Updated August 8, 2011
The hit to confidence as a result of the torturous debt-ceiling negotiations and the S&P downgrade may not go away soon.
Disappearing Act: GDP Loses Steam
by Liz Ann Sonders
August 1, 2011
We examine the ugly GDP report and concerns about growth in the second half.
by Liz Ann Sonders
August 1, 2011
We examine the ugly GDP report and concerns about growth in the second half.
The Fed Pauses
by Kathy A. Jones
June 22, 2011
The Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting ended with no change in policy, but the Fed’s outlook for the economy and employment was downgraded.
by Kathy A. Jones
June 22, 2011
The Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting ended with no change in policy, but the Fed’s outlook for the economy and employment was downgraded.
Heartbreaker: Soft Patch Hits Stock Market
by Liz Ann Sonders
June 13, 2011
It's been a tough six-week correction in the stock market. Some sentiment and technical conditions look better, but we're not out of the woods.
by Liz Ann Sonders
June 13, 2011
It's been a tough six-week correction in the stock market. Some sentiment and technical conditions look better, but we're not out of the woods.
Expert Roundtable on Risk
with Mark Riepe, Liz Ann Sonders, Randy Frederick, Rob Williams and Brad Sorensen
May 31, 2011
Risk may sound like something best avoided, but in the investing world, risk and performance are intertwined. Schwab's experts discuss the topic.
with Mark Riepe, Liz Ann Sonders, Randy Frederick, Rob Williams and Brad Sorensen
May 31, 2011
Risk may sound like something best avoided, but in the investing world, risk and performance are intertwined. Schwab's experts discuss the topic.
The Fed Meets the Press
by Liz Ann Sonders
April 27, 2011
No surprises out of the 4/27/11 Fed meeting, but some interesting snippets from the first-ever live press conference with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke.
by Liz Ann Sonders
April 27, 2011
No surprises out of the 4/27/11 Fed meeting, but some interesting snippets from the first-ever live press conference with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke.
Expert Roundtable on Inflation: Should You Be Worried?
with Mark Riepe, Liz Ann Sonders, Rob Williams, Michael Iachini and Brad Sorensen
April 1, 2011
Our experts discuss why Wall Street and Main Street may have different perspectives on inflation now. Plus, inflation-savvy investments you might want to consider.
with Mark Riepe, Liz Ann Sonders, Rob Williams, Michael Iachini and Brad Sorensen
April 1, 2011
Our experts discuss why Wall Street and Main Street may have different perspectives on inflation now. Plus, inflation-savvy investments you might want to consider.
Tilting Toward Energy
by Brad Sorensen
March 23, 2011
How might you adjust your portfolio given increased Middle East tensions, the Japanese tragedy and escalating inflation fears?
by Brad Sorensen
March 23, 2011
How might you adjust your portfolio given increased Middle East tensions, the Japanese tragedy and escalating inflation fears?
House of the Rising Sun: A Check-Up on Housing
by Liz Ann Sonders
January 18, 2011
Housing has probably broadly bottomed, but foreclosures are rising and employment remains an impediment. Read more about the impact of housing on the economy.
by Liz Ann Sonders
January 18, 2011
Housing has probably broadly bottomed, but foreclosures are rising and employment remains an impediment. Read more about the impact of housing on the economy.
Midterm Election 2010: Impact on Taxes and the 2011 Policy Agenda
by Michael Townsend
November 5, 2010
The November 2 elections resulted in major shifts in the makeup of Congress. Read about the implications, for the rest of 2010 and beyond.
by Michael Townsend
November 5, 2010
The November 2 elections resulted in major shifts in the makeup of Congress. Read about the implications, for the rest of 2010 and beyond.
Dirty (Paper) Work: Foreclosure Mess Gets Messier
by Liz Ann Sonders
October 18, 2010
As foreclosure moratoriums spread, so does concern that the mess will further undermine the economic recovery. Is it 2008 all over? We don't think so.
by Liz Ann Sonders
October 18, 2010
As foreclosure moratoriums spread, so does concern that the mess will further undermine the economic recovery. Is it 2008 all over? We don't think so.
Win, Lose or Draw: Do We Have a Win-Win Scenario?
by Liz Ann Sonders
October 4, 2010
A hedge fund bigwig spouts a win-win market scenario, with or without the Fed's help, boosting stocks. Is it too good to be true?
by Liz Ann Sonders
October 4, 2010
A hedge fund bigwig spouts a win-win market scenario, with or without the Fed's help, boosting stocks. Is it too good to be true?
What the Financial Reform Bill Means for Investors
by Michael Townsend
July 27, 2010
The sweeping overhaul of the financial services industry has now been signed into law. What are the key features, and how will investors be impacted?
by Michael Townsend
July 27, 2010
The sweeping overhaul of the financial services industry has now been signed into law. What are the key features, and how will investors be impacted?
Debt: What Is and What Should Never Be
by Liz Ann Sonders
February 1, 2010
Private- and financial-sector debt got us into this crisis. Is public-sector debt the solution? Our perspective on why belt-tightening is crucial.
by Liz Ann Sonders
February 1, 2010
Private- and financial-sector debt got us into this crisis. Is public-sector debt the solution? Our perspective on why belt-tightening is crucial.
VIX Up, Market Down?
by Bill Swerbenski, CFA, Director, Asset Allocation and Portfolio Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 4, 2008
Spikes in the VIX index often occur during a bottoming process.
by Bill Swerbenski, CFA, Director, Asset Allocation and Portfolio Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research
November 4, 2008
Spikes in the VIX index often occur during a bottoming process.
Uncovering the Mysteries of LIBOR
by Brad Sorensen, CFA, Director of Market and Sector Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research
October 10, 2008
How does the London Interbank Offered Rate affect consumers' and businesses' ability to borrow?
by Brad Sorensen, CFA, Director of Market and Sector Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research
October 10, 2008
How does the London Interbank Offered Rate affect consumers' and businesses' ability to borrow?
How Will the Boomer Wave of Retirement Impact the Market?
by Liz Ann Sonders, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Strategist, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
July 31, 2008
As baby boomers start to retire, we will begin to see how America's largest generation will redefine the concept of retirement.
by Liz Ann Sonders, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Strategist, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
July 31, 2008
As baby boomers start to retire, we will begin to see how America's largest generation will redefine the concept of retirement.
Uses and Abuses of Oil Trusts
by Brad Sorensen, CFA, Director, Sector Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research
August 15, 2007
Investors looking for ways to play the energy market have dabbled in oil and gas trusts. What are these instruments, and where might they fit in your portfolio?
by Brad Sorensen, CFA, Director, Sector Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research
August 15, 2007
Investors looking for ways to play the energy market have dabbled in oil and gas trusts. What are these instruments, and where might they fit in your portfolio?