Financial Decoder

After you listenFollow Kathy and Liz Ann on social media:Kathy Jones on X and LinkedIn.Liz Ann Sonders on X and LinkedIn.What should investors expect from the U.S. economy next year? What will happen in the equities markets and fixed income markets? On this 2026 Market Outlook episode,  Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist, speaks with Kevin Gordon, head of macro research. Liz Ann and Kevin discuss their perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. She and Kevin cover the K-shaped recovery, inflation trends, the impact of AI on capital expenditure, and the implications of fiscal stimulus on federal debt.Then, Liz Ann Sonders discusses the equities outlook for 2026, focusing on consumer confidence, the impact of the presidential election cycle, and the potential for volatility. Finally, Kathy Jones is joined by Cooper Howard and Collin Martin for the outlook on municipal bonds, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasuries, and the overall fixed income markets.You can read all of Schwab's 2026 Market Outlook reports on our website:Read Cooper Howard's 2026 Municipal Bond Outlook.Read Collin Martin's 2026 Corporate Credit Outlook.Read Kathy Jones's 2026 Treasury Bonds and Fixed Income Outlook.Read Liz Ann Sonders and Kevin Gordon's 2026 Stocks & Economic Outlook.Read Michelle Gibley's 2026 International Stocks & Economy Outlook.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThis 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 are not 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.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.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.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 policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.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.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 Schwab Center for Financial Research 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.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 guaranteeThere are risks associated with investing in dividend paying stocks, including but not limited to the risk that stocks may reduce or stop paying dividends.Bank loans typically have below investment-grade credit ratings and may be subject to more credit risk, including the risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Most bank loans have floating coupon rates that are tied to short-term reference rates like the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), so substantial increases in interest rates may make it more difficult for issuers to service their debt and cause an increase in loan defaults. A rise in short-term references rates typically result in higher income payments for investors, however. Bank loans are typically secured by collateral posted by the issuer, or guarantees of its affiliates, the value of which may decline and be insufficient to cover repayment of the loan. Many loans are relatively illiquid or are subject to restrictions on resales, have delayed settlement periods, and may be difficult to value. Bank loans are also subject to maturity extension risk and prepayment risk.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively "Bloomberg"). Bloomberg or Bloomberg's licensors own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Bloomberg's licensors approves or endorses this material or guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or makes any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.1225-LJD8 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging discussion, Julie Sun Wu, the President of DAFgiving360 at Schwab and a philanthropic veteran, shares her extensive expertise on donor-advised funds (DAFs). She demystifies how DAFs operate and highlights their integration into estate planning. Julie dispels common myths, emphasizes the benefits of donating appreciated assets, and reveals how recent tax changes impact charitable contributions. Plus, she discusses the growing trend of impact investing and offers practical tips for researching and selecting charities aligned with personal values.

In this insightful discussion, guest Steph Shadel, a seasoned wealth advisor at Schwab with extensive credentials, shares wisdom on aligning your financial portfolio with personal goals. She redefines risk as volatility, explains the importance of diversification and disciplined rebalancing, and debunks myths about portfolio management. Steph emphasizes managing emotions, using tax strategies to optimize investments, and reviewing financial plans during life changes, ensuring your strategy fits your unique circumstances.

In this discussion with Stephanie Shadel, a senior wealth advisor at Schwab with over 15 years in guiding investors, the conversation dives into the essentials of crafting a meaningful financial plan. They explore the importance of setting personal goals and the common psychological barriers people face in initiating financial planning. Stephanie shares insights on the need for flexibility in financial plans to adapt to life changes. She highlights the emotional challenges in assessing current finances and emphasizes prioritizing goals as a pathway to success.

After you listen:Read more of Rob's insights in his article "How Fed Rate Cuts Can Impact Mortgage Rates."Explore Schwab's education and resources around real estate.In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Rob Williams, managing director and head of wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to discuss the complexities of buying a home, covering the essential steps, financial considerations, key players, and even the emotional factors that tend to affect our decision-making around the home-buying process.Learn more about the important elements like mortgage pre-approval, down payments, and closing costs, as Mark and Rob aim to address common misconceptions and mistakes. Their conversation concludes with practical advice and a checklist for potential home buyers to ensure they make informed decisions.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Important DisclosuresThis 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 are not 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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly.S&P 500® Index- Measures the performance of 500 leading publicly traded U.S. companies from a broad range of industries. It is a float-adjusted market-capitalization weighted index.This information is not 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, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.1025-1CJ6Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Kawashima, a director of financial planning at the Schwab Center, breaks down the often confusing world of health insurance. He explains key terms like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, helping listeners understand their impact on finances. Chris compares high-deductible and traditional plans, offers tips for choosing between family and individual coverage, and discusses HSAs and FSAs for saving on healthcare. He also highlights the importance of reviewing open enrollment options annually and managing costs for chronic conditions.

After you listen:Learn more about this episode's topic in "Alternative Investments: A Non-Traditional Approach to Investing."Find more resources about alternative investments at Schwab.From hedge funds to private equity, alternative investments cover a wide range of assets outside of traditional markets. In this episode, Mark is joined by Ken Pennington, director of alternative investments and manager research at Schwab, to unpack what they are, how they work, and the key differences that set them apart from traditional stocks and bonds. He and Mark also discuss why investors consider alternatives and where they might fit in broader investment strategies.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresThis 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 are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.Investing in alternative investments is speculative, not suitable for all clients, and generally intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who are willing and able to bear the high economic risks of the investment. Investors should obtain and carefully read the related prospectus or offering memorandum, which will contain the information needed to help evaluate the potential investment and provide important disclosures regarding risks, fees and expenses.Alternative investments, including hedge funds and funds that invest in alternative investments, often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor’s risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Alternative investments that are closed end funds registered under 1933 or 1940 act would be subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds. Other registered and unregistered funds are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.Alternative investments, including funds that invest in alternative investments, are risky and may not be suitable for all investors. Alternative investments often employ leveraging and other speculative practices that increase an investor’s risk of loss to include complete loss of investment, often charge high fees, and can be highly illiquid and volatile. Alternative investments may lack diversification, involve complex tax structures and have delays in reporting important tax information. Registered and unregistered alternative investments are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds.Alternative investments are speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Investors may lose all or a substantial portion of their investment. Alternative investments cover a wide array of strategies, including real estate, private equity, private credit, and hedge funds. Risks will vary based on each unique strategy and can include investments in highly illiquid assets or securities, use of leverage, higher fees, lower transparency, tax risks, and limited ability to redeem or limited transferability.Alternative investments may have limited or no liquidity, redemptions or repurchases may not be permitted and no public market may exist to make full or partial liquidations. An investor’s capital may potentially be locked for seven or more years. Certain strategies can involve the use of leverage which can enhance returns but also increase losses. Alternative investments are valued less frequently, may be speculative in nature, and may not conform to any particular valuation standard. As a result, advisory fees associated with alternative investments will reflect these valuations compared to more readily available valuations on publicly traded securities.Many alternative investments are exempt from registration requirements that apply to public securities. As a result, alternative investments may have greater investment flexibility but are less transparent given they do not have to adhere to the typical disclosure requirements of public market investments. Alternative investments often carry higher fees and more complex expense structures than traditional asset classes. These fees and expenses lower investment returns.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.​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.Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.All corporate names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate this risk.​Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions.​Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors.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/indexdefinitionsThis information is not 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, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.0925-LRZC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:Find more resources from Schwab on Travel Planning.Learn more about budgeting for travel on our episode, "How Do You Save for Vacations & Travel?"In this episode of Financial Decoder, host Mark Riepe shares five practical strategies to save money on domestic travel. Learn how to book flights and hotels at the right time, travel off-peak for better deals, and take proper advantage of credit card travel perks. Whether you're planning a road trip, family vacation, or a weekend getaway, these money-saving tips can help you stretch your budget and enjoy the journey stress-free.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice.Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.0925-DME4 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:Check out Chris's article "5 Questions to Ask Before a Big Purchase."Learn more about liquidating in "3 Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Large Portfolio Withdrawal."In this episode, host Mark Riepe walks through how to prepare for major purchases, both expected and unexpected. Senior Research Analyst Chris Kawashima joins Mark to break down the key considerations when deciding whether to fund a big expense with cash, invesments, or financing and to discuss the potential trade-offs of each approach.Learn practical strategies for planning large expenses, avoiding financial surprises, and making informed decisions that fit your unique goals. Whether you're saving for a car, the down payment on a new home, or an unexpected expense, Mark and Chris provide actionable insights to help you navigate these choices with confidence.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresThis 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 are not 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.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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.​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.An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although a money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund.All corporate 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 Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.0925-8CMP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Jeannie Bidner, head of Schwab's branch network and sponsor of the Women's Interactive Network, as she dives into the evolving landscape of women investors. She discusses a recent survey revealing rising confidence and engagement among women of all ages. Listen in for insights on generational trends, such as older women focusing on retirement and younger women exploring investments with curiosity. Jeannie also emphasizes the importance of community support and the unique financial challenges women face, advocating for openness in investing conversations.