Government Policy

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

Congress Clears Debt Deal, Averting Default

The measure ends weeks of negotiation and unease about a potentially catastrophic government default.

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.

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.

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?

Schwab Market Perspective: Debt Ceiling Standoff

Political brinkmanship in Washington adds to concerns about the economy.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Debt Ceiling: House Bill Passes, Impasse Continues

Although the House narrowly approved a bill designed to jumpstart negotiations, the issue is far from resolved.