Government Policy

Understand how policy decisions coming out of Washington may impact financial markets and your investments. Or explore other investing topics:

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Markets and Economy

Debt Ceiling: What Investors Should Know

While we don't expect the U.S. government to default, the uncertainty may heighten market volatility in coming days. Here are answers to some of the questions we're hearing most often.

Markets and Economy

Opening Market Update: Congress, It's Your Move

Wall Street appeared to welcome the debt ceiling deal reached over the weekend despite still needing congressional approval. The markets also appear to be making peace with the idea that interest rates might rise again next month.

Bonds

U.S. Agency Bonds: What You Should Know

Bonds issued by government-sponsored enterprises can offer slightly higher yields than U.S. Treasuries, without requiring investors to take on too much additional risk.

Markets and Economy

Debt Problem More Than Just a Ceiling

Although few nations have a debt ceiling similar to the U.S.', rising government debt levels are a widespread global risk that may lead to lower economic output and weaker growth.

Government Policy

Washington Policy Fights Pressuring Markets

The debt ceiling drama, bank failures, and other policy battles in Washington are weighing on the markets. When will investors get some clarity?

Markets and Economy

Schwab Market Perspective: Debt Ceiling Standoff

Political brinkmanship in Washington adds to concerns about the economy.

Bonds

Federal Reserve: Pause or Peak?

The central bank likely won't have enough reason to hike rates again this cycle. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised to see one or two rate cuts later this year.

Markets and Economy

Shortages to Gluts: Labor Market

Shifts in the labor market due to monetary policy tightening would see lagged effects that may not aid central banks' efforts to materially affect core inflation by year's end.

Government Policy

Fighting Fear and Uncertainty in Markets

Challenges to the markets just keep rolling in, from inflation to recession worries to a potential U.S. debt default. But how bad is it, really?

Markets and Economy

Pause? Fed Hikes, But Leaves Door Ajar for More

With unanimity, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the fed funds rate by 25 basis points in May and signaled that further tightening will depend on various economic factors.

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