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Investing Strategies

Insights and information on investing and more from Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.

Investing Strategies

Today's Options Market Update

All the major indices have moved into positive territory around midday following some early morning selling as markets digest data and the Fed’s rate path trajectory.

November 25, 2025 Nathan Peterson

Contango vs. Backwardation

The slope of a futures curve—whether in contango or backwardation—can greatly impact the profitability and risk involved in several trading strategies.

November 25, 2025

Stocks Down on Data

A private report of accelerating job losses weighed on stocks, while retail sales disappointed and producer prices were near consensus. Markets still price in high rate cut odds.

November 25, 2025

Looking to the Futures

Equity markets pushed higher to start the week, keeping Friday's momentum alive.

November 25, 2025

Transports Slow, Role Unclear

Amid tech competition and industry challenges, transports—long seen as an economic barometer—were outpaced by major indexes over the last year. Is the sector still a useful tool?

November 24, 2025

Investing Strategies

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Stocks bounce back today on improved rate cut hopes but remain on track for weekly losses. Promises of AI profits remain under investor scrutiny, despite robust Nvidia earnings.

November 21, 2025

Trading the VIX

Some traders use products tied to the VIX to hedge their portfolios against market declines or speculate on shifts in volatility. But trading the VIX carries significant risk.

November 21, 2025

Put Ratio Options Spreads Intro

Discover how traders may use put ratio options spreads to pursue specific financial objectives, as well as the strategy's advantages and risks.

November 20, 2025

Investing Strategies

What Are Box Spreads?

A box spread options strategy can be a useful cash management tool when executed correctly, potentially helping traders lend or borrow money synthetically via the options market.

November 20, 2025

ETNs: The Facts and the Risks

Exchange-traded notes (ETNs) may have a similar sounding name, but ETNs are not the same as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and they carry some important risks for investors.

November 20, 2025

thinkorswim® Heat Map How-To

The Heat Map feature on thinkorswim® desktop can help traders identify recently outperforming sectors and companies driving that momentum. Learn how to use the Heat Map.

November 14, 2025

Investing Strategies

Cryptocurrency Donations

Donating cryptocurrency offers potential tax benefits but also comes with unique considerations that can complicate the process.

November 14, 2025

Responding to Market Chaos

Volatility has investors questioning the future of U.S. stocks. Three Schwab finance professionals discuss how to evaluate your portfolio in the face of market ups and downs.

November 14, 2025

thinkorswim® Heat Map How-To

The Heat Map feature on thinkorswim® desktop can help traders identify recently outperforming sectors and companies driving that momentum. Learn how to use the Heat Map.

November 14, 2025

Investing Strategies

Is Your Fund Drifting?

Over time, mutual funds can stray from their stated objectives and no longer serve the same purpose within your portfolio. Here's how to tell if your fund is off course.

November 14, 2025

The Case for International

After years of underperformance, foreign investments are now outperforming their U.S. counterparts. Here are three reasons why they likely deserve a place in most investors' portfolios.

November 14, 2025

4 Volatility Metrics

Understanding how to use volatility metrics helps traders assess market conditions, manage risk, and make more informed decisions in uncertain environments.

November 14, 2025

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Insights & Education are provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.