WashingtonWise

Stephanie Shadel, a Senior Wealth Advisor at Charles Schwab, dives into how investors can manage emotions during turbulent markets. She offers strategies for rebalancing portfolios and reviewing cash versus bond allocations. Stephanie tackles the fear of missing out and emphasizes focusing on fundamentals. The discussion covers evolving tax and charitable giving strategies in light of recent legislation. She also provides a practical year-end checklist, ensuring listeners are prepared for smart financial moves before the year's end.

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.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts.IMPORTANT DISCLOSUREThe policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned 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 decisions.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors.Technical analysis is not recommended as a sole means of investment research.There is no guarantee that execution of a stop order will be at or near the stop price.Money market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of an investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.Cryptocurrency-related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses (and/or "transaction fees or other related expenses"), and cannot be invested in directly.  For more information on indexes, please see ​schwab.com/indexdefinitionsThe Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.1025-TEZW Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kathy Jones, Chief Fixed Income Strategist at Charles Schwab, joins to unravel the Fed's tightrope walk between battling inflation and fostering job growth. She discusses the unprecedented drama surrounding the Fed meeting, including the political pressures impacting its independence. Kathy delves into the implications of rising fiscal deficits on Treasury yields and foreign demand for U.S. debt. She also shares key insights for bond investors, emphasizing the importance of duration and quality amid current market uncertainty.

The coming weeks will see a series of major policy decisions in Washington that will play out in Congress and in the courts. On this episode, host Mike Townsend explores five key issues that are nearing resolution and discusses how the markets may react. He examines the Federal Reserve's plan to resume cutting interest rates and how the president's attempt to fire a Fed governor means the courts will have to resolve a fundamental question regarding the Fed's long-established independence. Mike also provides updates on the court battle over tariffs and the implications for the economy and the markets. And he addresses the risk of a government shutdown, Congressional action on cryptocurrency regulation, and the market ramifications of the federal government taking an ownership stake in Intel Corp.  WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts.IMPORTANT DISCLOSURESThe policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned 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 decisions.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors.Cryptocurrency-related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.(0925-CPZ4) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michelle Gibley, Director of International Research at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, delves into the turbulent world of U.S. tariffs and their impending impacts. With over 30 years in finance, she explains how recent tariff announcements triggered market jitters and why emerging markets are thriving despite global trade tensions. Their conversation also touches on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and the legislative landscape concerning cryptocurrency, shedding light on potential investment opportunities amidst these economic shifts.

Nate Peterson, Director of Derivatives Analysis at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, shares his expertise on cryptocurrency as it goes mainstream. He explains the basics of crypto and stablecoins, detailing their potential as a secure payment method. The conversation shifts to the evolving regulatory landscape in Washington, where Congress is moving towards the first major crypto legislation. Nate emphasizes the importance of investor education amid these changes and encourages listeners to stay informed about this rapidly advancing technology.

The discussion centers on the sweeping changes to a massive tax and spending bill and what it means for taxpayers and investors. Key differences between the House and Senate versions raise questions about the future of federal programs like Medicaid. Concerns about rising budget deficits and the national debt linger in the air, while implications for foreign investment and rising bond yields are critically examined. Additionally, the podcast touches on Fresh leadership at the Federal Reserve and upcoming regulatory changes, fueling debates within financial markets.

DJ Johnson, Managing Director of Financial Crimes Risk Management at Charles Schwab, discusses the rapidly evolving landscape of financial fraud. He shares how fraudsters are leveraging AI and voice impersonation, making scams like synthetic identity fraud more prevalent. DJ also highlights the increased risk for senior investors and outlines effective strategies to stay protected. Listeners gain valuable insights into proactive measures for fraud prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.

On this episode of WashingtonWise, Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, joins host Mike Townsend for a wide-ranging discussion about what’s driven the wild swings in the market in 2025 and what’s on the horizon for the rest of the year. Liz Ann dives into the constantly evolving tariff and fiscal policies and how they are making it harder for companies to plan and for investors to know where things are headed. She shares her thoughts on the latest economic data, including jobs numbers, GDP, and inflation—and whether recession risk has eased in recent weeks. She also discusses the challenge facing the Federal Reserve as it tries to sort through conflicting signals. And she offers her thoughts on how investors can navigate this uncertain environment.Mike also provides an update from Washington on the ongoing negotiations as the House of Representatives tries to approve the massive bill of tax cuts and spending cuts and the $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling.WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple PodcastsIMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market.Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor’s goal will be met. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a non-retirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see Schwab.com/IndexDefinitions.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.0525-Z7MC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The last several weeks have seen unusual market volatility, not just in the stock market but in the bond market as well. Fixed income investors have been struggling to make sense of the on-again, off-again tariff policy and its impact on the U.S. economy. In this episode, host Mike Townsend welcomes Collin Martin, director and fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, for a robust discussion about how tariffs are impacting the bond market, companies, the economy, and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. Collin shares his perspective on where the Fed might be headed and whether the president's threats to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell are undermining its independence. They also discuss the dollar and whether its position as the world's reserve currency is in jeopardy. And Collin offers his thoughts on where fixed income investors can find opportunities in this uncertain environment.In addition, Mike provides updates from Washington on the ongoing negotiations around the massive budget bill of tax and spending cuts and the president's recent proposal for government funding for the coming fiscal year, and he reflects on the 50th anniversary of a regulatory decision that paved the way for the accessible markets that investors enjoy today.WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise.If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple PodcastsIMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.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. The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks, including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily a suitable investment for all persons. Information related to a security's tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third parties, and < Name of Legal Entity, for e.g., Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., dba Schwab Asset Management> does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.Preferred securities are a type of hybrid investment that share characteristics of both stock and bonds. They are often callable, meaning the issuing company may redeem the security at a certain price after a certain date. Such call features, and the timing of a call, may affect the security’s yield. Preferred securities generally have lower credit ratings and a lower claim to assets than the issuer's individual bonds. Like bonds, prices of preferred securities tend to move inversely with interest rates, so their prices may fall during periods of rising interest rates. Investment value will fluctuate, and preferred securities, when sold before maturity, may be worth more or less than original cost. Preferred securities are subject to various other risks including changes in interest rates and credit quality, default risks, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, deferral risk, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.There are risks associated with investing in dividend paying stocks, including but not limited to the risk that stocks may reduce or stop paying dividends.Money market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of an investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.0525-U7A4 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.