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Insights & Education

Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing 

The latest commentary

July Retail Sales Dipped

July retail sales surprised, falling 0.6%. Consensus was for a 0.2% rise. Stocks flattened after the data. Sentiment data comes at 10 a.m. ET with stocks tracking for a weekly gain.

August 14, 2026 Joe Mazzola

thinkorswim® App and AI

The thinkorswim® desktop app has dozens of sophisticated features that can replicate much of the efficiency that artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer.

August 14, 2026

Bullish Clients and Hike Odds

Schwab clients stayed net buyers last month even as odds of a rate hike remained elevated. Elsewhere, small caps shrugged off high yields and bitcoin trading volume hit a new lull.

August 14, 2026

Schwab Market Perspective

Our point of view on recent market and economic activity.

August 14, 2026

Short Interest Monitor

The Short Interest Monitor tracks stocks with elevated and rising short interest. Explore the latest edition to gauge investor sentiment and positioning in key areas of the market.

August 13, 2026

Market updates

Jacob Baker

Looking to the Futures

Jacob Baker
August 14, 2026
Nathan Peterson

Today's Options Market Update

Nathan Peterson
August 13, 2026
Nathan Peterson

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Nathan Peterson
August 07, 2026

Investing Basics

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

Investing Basics: Bonds

Watch to learn the basics of bonds and how investors might use them to preserve capital and pursue extra income.

February 16, 2023


The Power of Compounding

Compound interest can potentially help investments grow over time.

May 07, 2024

Planning for Retirement

Learn the basics of retirement planning, like setting a retirement goal, choosing between a Roth and Traditional IRA, and deciding how to manage your investments.

February 27, 2023

Investing Basics: ETFs

Learn about the risks and potential rewards of exchange-traded funds, also known as ETFs.

April 18, 2023

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

Bullish Clients and Hike Odds

Schwab clients stayed net buyers last month even as odds of a rate hike remained elevated. Elsewhere, small caps shrugged off high yields and bitcoin trading volume hit a new lull.

August 14, 2026

Using AI Trading Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) trading tools can generate ideas, streamline research, and more. Here are four ways a trader can incorporate them into their trading process.

August 14, 2026


thinkorswim® App and AI

The thinkorswim® desktop app has dozens of sophisticated features that can replicate much of the efficiency that artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer.

August 14, 2026

Short Interest Monitor

The Short Interest Monitor tracks stocks with elevated and rising short interest. Explore the latest edition to gauge investor sentiment and positioning in key areas of the market.

August 13, 2026

Large Trader Rule Explained

The Large Trader Rule requires traders whose transactions hit certain thresholds to register with the SEC and meet ongoing compliance requirements. Here's how to remain compliant.

August 12, 2026

STAX Trends: Gen X Buys Dip

The Schwab Trading Activity Index™, which tracks client activity to gauge sentiment, rose to its highest level in 54 months in July. Gen X bought the dip; Gen Z turned cautious.

August 11, 2026

Planning and retirement

HSA Tax and Inheritance Rules

HSAs are one of the least tax-efficient accounts to leave to nonspouse heirs. Here's how to help capture their full tax advantages during your lifetime.

August 14, 2026

The Cash Trap

How to stay liquid without shortchanging your long-term goals.

August 14, 2026


Timing a Roth IRA Conversion

A Roth IRA conversion is one way high earners can access tax-free growth of their retirement savings. Consider the reasons for making a lump-sum conversion versus spreading it out.

August 14, 2026

Aging and Financial Autonomy

Failing to plan for cognitive decline can put your assets at risk. Involving adult children early helps ensure they're ready to step in if necessary.

August 14, 2026

Tips for Investing for Teens

Teens' greatest investing advantage is time. Piquing their interest with approachable, real-world lessons can help them build a foundation for lasting financial security.

August 14, 2026

Social Security Do-Over

If you take Social Security before age 70 and later wish you had waited to collect, you may be able to pay back or pause benefits to receive an increase in payouts later.

August 14, 2026

Schwab original podcasts

Onward magazine

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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.