Insights & Education

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The latest commentary

Markets and Economy

Market Snapshot

Liz Ann Sonders shares her perspective on the U.S. stock market and economy in this monthly Market Snapshot video.

July 09, 2026

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Markets and Economy

Stocks Up, Strait Action Eyed

Though overnight strikes in the Strait of Hormuz kept the market on edge, chips kept gaining early today. PepsiCo's earnings appeared to disappoint but jobless claims were subdued.

July 09, 2026

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The New Temperamental Era

The Great Moderation has given way to a more volatile era, where inflation shocks and market dispersion favor flexibility and diversification.

July 08, 2026

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Government Policy

Washington: What to Watch Now

Trump Accounts launch with new guidance, the Supreme Court reinforces Fed independence, and an affordable housing bill moves toward becoming law.

July 07, 2026

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Markets and Economy

Inflation Outlook | Week Ahead

Kevin Gordon looks at this week's release of the New York Fed's report about consumer sentiment on inflation, the stock market, and other data points in his take on the Week Ahead.

July 06, 2026

Market updates

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Looking to the Futures

Randy Todd

July 09, 2026

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Investing Basics

Stocks

Investing Basics: Stocks

Stocks are one of the most common investments. Learn what stocks are, the risks associated with them, and the role they can play in an investment portfolio.

August 13, 2025

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Investing Basics: The Power of Compounding

August 02, 2024

Investing Basics: Planning for Retirement

August 02, 2024

Investing Basics: ETFs

August 02, 2024

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Technical Analysis

Looking to understand how to read stock charts? Start learning the basics of using charts, identifying trends, applying price patterns, and using charting indicators.

October 19, 2023

What's new in trading

What Is Stagflation?

Stagflation is a mix of high inflation, weak economic growth, and rising unemployment. Learn what causes it, how it affects markets, and what it can mean for investors.

June 18, 2026

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Government Policy

New Day Trader Rules Approved

Under the new rules, traders will no longer be required to maintain an account balance of $25,000 to engage in frequent margin day trading.

April 16, 2026

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Options

Options Spreads and Volatility

Bid/ask options spreads widen during volatile markets as market makers adapt how they manage trades amid increased uncertainty.

March 30, 2026

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Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin Volatility Shrinks

Bitcoin is now less volatile than some Magnificent 7 stocks, but it's still capable of steep, prolonged declines.

March 25, 2026

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Markets and Economy

Can AI Gains Keep Prices Down?

Fed Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh sees AI-fueled productivity keeping inflation down while also helping the economy grow. This theory isn't universally accepted, even at the Fed.

March 11, 2026

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Lessons From Market Wizards

Kathy Jones interviews Jack Schwager, famed author of the "Market Wizards" series, about how top traders think.

January 30, 2026

Planning and retirement

Social Security

Social Security Benefit Cuts?

Fear around the future of Social Security payments is understandable, but it should not solely drive decisions on when to claim benefits.

July 09, 2026

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Lessons of America's First 250

For America's 250th birthday, Mark revisits stories from U.S. financial history and explores what debt, taxes, money, and markets can teach us today.

July 06, 2026

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Retirement

What Is the FIRE Movement?

Even if early retirement isn't your goal, FIRE principles may help savers build more financial independence over time.

June 10, 2026

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Asset Allocation

Allocating Portfolio Assets

As you progress through your retirement investing journey, consider modifying your asset allocation by age as your time horizon, investment goals, and risk tolerance change.

May 26, 2026

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Insurance

Weighing Insurance Options

Insurance offers not just downside protection but also financial stability. Here's a look at the costs and considerations of several types of insurance coverage.

April 09, 2026

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Education

529 Eligible Expenses

529 eligible expenses include K-12 tuition, certain test fees, college housing, and more. Learn what else a 529 account can (and can't) be used for.

February 06, 2026

Schwab original podcasts

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Lessons of America's First 250

Midyear Outlook: Equities & Bonds

Onward magazine

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Insurance

Explore more topics

Retirement Taxes Trading Investments Markets and Economy Financial Planning Portfolio Management Robo Advice

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This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for their own particular situation before making any investment or trading decisions.

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.

For illustrative purposes only. Individual situations will vary. Not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal, and for some products and strategies, loss of more than your initial investment.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Equity and index options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Please read the Options Disclosure Document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" before considering any option transaction. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

Hedging and protective strategies generally involve additional costs and do not assure a profit or guarantee against loss.

With long options, investors may lose 100% of funds invested.

Spread trading must be done in a margin account.

Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple transaction costs.

Covered calls provide downside protection only to the extent of premiums received, and prevent any profitability above the strike price of the call.

Futures, and Futures options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure Statement for Futures and Options prior to trading futures products.

Forex trading involves leverage, carries a substantial level of risk, and is not suitable for all investors. Please read the Risk Disclosure for Forex: https://www.schwab.com/resource/forex-risk-disclosure-statement.

Futures and forex accounts are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Forex accounts do not receive a preference in any bankruptcy proceeding pursuant to Part 190 of the CFTC's regulations.

Read additional CFTC and NFA futures and forex public disclosures for Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC.

Futures, futures options, and forex trading services provided by Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC. Trading privileges subject to review and approval. Not all clients will qualify. Forex accounts are not available to residents of Ohio or Arizona.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC., is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Forex Dealer Member.

Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC (NFA Member) and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC) are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

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