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Markets & Economy

Get timely stock market analysis, perspectives and ideas from Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Today's Options Market Update

Stocks are higher across the board after the November Consumer Price Index (CPI) report came in below expectations.

December 18, 2025 • Nathan Peterson

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Stocks Up on CPI, Micron

Robust earnings from chipmaker Micron and lighter-than-expected CPI data delivered a dose of optimism to the market after a four-session losing streak. FedEx, Nike report later.

December 18, 2025

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Looking to the Futures

Natural Gas futures (/NGF25) have pulled back after hitting a 3-year high on December 5th, at 5.496 as concerns of a colder than normal winter have subsided.

December 18, 2025

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What Is a Recession?

Understand how a recession is defined and how to avoid common investment mistakes during recession-driven stock market downturns.

December 17, 2025

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Monday's Schwab Market Update Podcast

Tomorrow's jobs report, Thursday's Nike results and Friday's BOJ decision are weekly highlights, but focus could stay on fast-retreating tech stocks and rising Treasury yields.

December 15, 2025

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Market Snapshot

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

December 12, 2025

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Investors are navigating not just uncertainty, but an unstable environment influenced by tariffs and inflation, among other factors. While volatility may increase, there is likely room for another solid year in 2026, especially for fixed income and international stocks.

December 12, 2025

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Weekly Trader's Outlook

The Dow Jones, S&P 500 Equal Weight and Russell 2000 all hit fresh all-time highs this week while tech stocks slumped on AI concerns. Will sector rotation be enough to set the bulls up for a year-end rally?

December 12, 2025

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Fed Cuts Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points, as widely expected. However, Fed Chairman Powell hinted at a pause ahead, and there were several dissents.

December 10, 2025

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Hidden Economic Indicators

Researching lesser-known economic indicators on the thinkorswim® platform is a low-effort way to potentially elevate an investor's game.

December 10, 2025

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2026 U.S. Stocks Outlook

We believe the macro environment will continue to be unstable given policy crosscurrents and a wobbly labor market, but stocks can likely churn higher given a firmer earnings backdrop.

December 09, 2025

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2026 International Outlook

International stocks could be poised for another strong year in 2026 due to accelerating global growth, attractive valuations and the potential for dollar weakness.

December 09, 2025

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Stock Sector Outlook

Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.

December 05, 2025

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2026 Municipal Bonds Outlook

We believe municipal bonds will continue to offer attractive tax-adjusted yields in 2026, while credit quality should remain stable.

December 04, 2025

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2026 Fixed Income Outlook

Overall, we expect 2026 to be another good year of returns for bond investors, but the range of potential outcomes is wide.

December 03, 2025

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Washington: What to Watch Now

Congress returns to Washington for a three-week sprint to the end of the year.

December 02, 2025

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Are Utilities Still Defensive?

Thanks to AI-generated power demand, the utilities sector is losing its traditional defensive role. Is this a permanent move, or will utilities ultimately regain their place?

December 02, 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.