Bull Market Keeps Running—What Could Trip It Up?

The bull market has been running since April, despite persistent economic and political headwinds, including tariffs, sticky inflation, a weakening jobs outlook, questions about the Fed's independence, and now a government shutdown. On this episode of WashingtonWise, Joe Mazzola, head trading and derivatives strategist at Charles Schwab, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss traders’ perspectives on whether this market can sustain its momentum amid policy and political uncertainty. Joe shares his thoughts on the potential impact of the government shutdown, especially the lack of crucial economic data, on the markets and the Fed’s monetary policy decisions. He shares how traders are thinking about tariffs, the artificial intelligence boom, and the strategic use of cash in a portfolio. And he offers some practical guidance on whether it is time for investors to take some profits and where to look for potential opportunities.

Mike also shares updates on what to watch for as lawmakers try to find a path to ending the shutdown, how the Supreme Court is getting set to weigh in on whether the president can fire a Fed governor, and why investors should pay attention to two recent White House personnel decisions. 

WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise.

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