Navigating the Bond Market: Risks and Returns

Volatility and uncertain economic outlooks continue to dominate the macroeconomic landscape. In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones consider the current state of the stock market, which has been characterized by significant price fluctuations. They explore the dynamics of the yield curve and the pressures on central bank independence amid political influences. The discussion also highlights the economic indicators that could impact market sentiment and investor behavior. 

Then, Kathy Jones and Collin Martin discuss the current status of the bond market, focusing on Treasury yields, the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate decisions, and investment strategies for different life stages. They explore the implications of tariffs on inflation and the labor market, the attractiveness of corporate bonds, and the possible benefits of Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) in an inflationary environment.

Finally, Kathy and Liz Ann discuss the data and economic indicators they will be watching in the coming week.

On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. 

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Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are inflation-linked securities issued by the US Government whose principal value is adjusted periodically in accordance with the rise and fall in the inflation rate. Thus, the dividend amount payable is also impacted by variations in the inflation rate, as it is based upon the principal value of the bond. It may fluctuate up or down. Repayment at maturity is guaranteed by the US Government and may be adjusted for inflation to become the greater of the original face amount at issuance or that face amount plus an adjustment for inflation. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are guaranteed by the US Government, but inflation-protected bond funds do not provide such a guarantee.

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