Should You Pay Attention to the News Out of Washington?

September 15, 2019
Politics can affect many of your financial decisions. What's the best way to understand the impact of policy and political changes on your investments?

Please note: This content may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., among other provisions, the SECURE Act 2.0 will raise the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement account to 73, beginning in January 2023). For more information about the SECURE Act 2.0, please read this article or speak with your financial consultant. (0323-3N8G)

Please note: This content may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., among other provisions, the SECURE Act 2.0 will raise the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement account to 73, beginning in January 2023). For more information about the SECURE Act 2.0, please read this article or speak with your financial consultant. (0323-3N8G)

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After you listen

  • Keep up with how the news out of Washington affects investors by subscribing to WashingtonWise.
  • You can also follow Mike Townsend on Twitter @MikeTownsendCS.
  • Keep up with how the news out of Washington affects investors by subscribing to WashingtonWise.
  • You can also follow Mike Townsend on Twitter @MikeTownsendCS.

The financial services industry is heavily regulated. That means the politicians who write the laws and the regulators who execute those laws shape the environment in which individual investors make their decisions. In this episode, Mark Riepe is joined by Mike Townsend, vice president for legislative and regulatory affairs at Schwab. Townsend is also the host of Schwab's newest podcast, WashingtonWise. Among other things, Mark and Mike discuss how politicians use certain cognitive and emotional biases to frame policy proposals, win elections, and pass legislation.

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Get Schwab's view on markets and economy.

Stocks Tumble on Surging Treasury Yields

The major indexes fell for a third straight day as an ongoing climb in Treasury yields and the prospects for another Fed rate hike unnerved investors.

Closing Market Update

The major indexes fell for a third straight day as an ongoing climb in Treasury yields and the pro-spects for another Fed rate hike unnerved investors.

Today's Options Market Update

Stocks are lower across the board as yields on the 10-year breakout to 15-year highs.

The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This is for general informational purposes only and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as tax, investment or legal advice. Consult with your legal counsel and tax advisors about your particular circumstances.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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