

On Investing
Charles Schwab
From market moves to the latest economic news, On Investing looks below the surface of the headline data to bring you fresh insights on what's happening and why—and what the implications are for your portfolio. Hosted by Schwab's Chief Investment Strategist Liz Ann Sonders and Chief Fixed Income Strategist Kathy Jones, On Investing is a weekly audio magazine featuring a variety of Schwab experts and special guests sharing their insights on equities, fixed income, macroeconomic issues, and more. Find it at Schwab.com/OnInvesting or wherever you get your podcasts.
Podcasts are for informational purposes only. This channel is not monitored by Charles Schwab. Please visit Schwab.com/ContactUs for contact options. (0823-3DKU)
Podcasts are for informational purposes only. This channel is not monitored by Charles Schwab. Please visit Schwab.com/ContactUs for contact options. (0823-3DKU)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 11, 2025 • 25min
Debt, Deficits & One Big Beautiful Bill
On this week's episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss the bond market reaction to the new August 1 tariff deadlines—and what that means for potential Fed policy. They also examine the impact of servicing the national debt after the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Liz Ann looks at the upcoming earnings season, while also addressing concerns about economic indicators, inflation, and the housing market. The overall discussion this week emphasizes the cautious sentiment among bond investors and the complexities of the economic landscape.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThe 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. 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.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.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.(0725-GHV6) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 27, 2025 • 48min
The Markets Shrug at Geopolitics, for Now
Mike Townsend, Schwab's managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs with over 30 years of experience in Washington, joins to discuss the current geopolitical climate and its effects on financial markets. They dive into how U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts influences investor sentiment and market reactions. Townsend highlights the evolving trade policies, potential deregulation, and looming cryptocurrency regulations, while also assessing labor market trends in light of economic indicators.

Jun 13, 2025 • 49min
‘Muddiness’ & Uncertainty in the Markets (With Cameron Dawson)
Cameron Dawson, Chief Investment Officer of NewEdge Wealth, joins the conversation to discuss the complexities of the current economic landscape. They tackle the 'muddiness' in recent data, including the impacts of inflation, tariffs, and corporate margins. The duo emphasizes the importance of international diversification and strategic portfolio construction, especially in uncertain times. With insights into consumer behavior and the bond market, the discussion illuminates the intricate dynamics affecting today's investment strategies.

Jun 6, 2025 • 16min
How Will Tariffs & Debt Affect the Economy?
Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders dive into the complexities of tariffs and their ripple effects on employment and manufacturing. They discuss the difficulties in predicting tariff revenues and how political changes could impact national debt. Key economic indicators like jobs and inflation are scrutinized, revealing a connection between tariffs and consumer behavior. The conversation also highlights the surprising rise in labor costs alongside declining productivity, raising questions about government data accuracy.

May 30, 2025 • 21min
Why Does Sentiment Not Match Hard Data?
In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the current state of the bond market, the influence of central banks, and the impact of policy announcements on market dynamics. They explore consumer confidence, economic indicators, and the potential effects of upcoming labor data on market trends. The discussion highlights the volatility in the markets and the importance of understanding the interplay between policy and economic conditions.You can read the article on hard data vs. soft data by Liz Ann and Kevin Gordon on Schwab.com. On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors 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.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.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.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.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.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.(0525-1AMU) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 23, 2025 • 51min
Navigating the 'Funky' Market Environment (With Helene Meisler)
Helene Meisler, a seasoned market technician and swing trader, shares her expertise on navigating today's complex market dynamics. She discusses the influence of rising deficits and the implications of bond market trends. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of market sentiment, the interplay between passive investing and market mechanics, and the implications of dollar fluctuations. Predictions for future volatility and upcoming economic indicators add depth, emphasizing adaptability for investors in a 'funky' market environment.

May 16, 2025 • 32min
Why Are Munis Attractive Right Now?
Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss the pause on some tariffs and the impact on the equities market. Then, Kathy interviews Cooper Howard about the features of municipal bonds in the current landscape. They explore the implications of federal funding on state and local governments and the challenges faced by higher-education institutions. The discussion also covers practical investment strategies for municipal bonds, including the importance of credit quality, diversification, and the considerations for investing in state versus in out-of-state bonds.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors 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.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.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.Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.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/IndexDefinition.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.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.A bond ladder, depending on the types and amount of securities within the ladder, may not ensure adequate diversification of your investment portfolio. This potential lack of diversification may result in heightened volatility of the value of your portfolio. As compared to other fixed income products and strategies, engaging in a bond ladder strategy may potentially result in future reinvestment at lower interest rates and may necessitate higher minimum investments to maintain cost-effectiveness. Evaluate whether a bond ladder and the securities held within it are consistent with your investment objective, risk tolerance and financial circumstances.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.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.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 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.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.(0525-WDSP) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 9, 2025 • 34min
Should the Fed Focus on Inflation or Unemployment?
Kathy Jones and Collin Martin discuss the recent Federal Reserve meeting, the implications of their decisions on interest rates, and the current economic landscape. They delve into the risks of stagflation, market reactions, and the dynamics of the corporate and municipal bond markets. The discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on income and yield in the bond market amid volatility and uncertainty.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. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors 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.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.Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.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/IndexDefinition.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.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.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.(0525-U5TC) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 2, 2025 • 44min
Is Confidence Eroding in U.S. Investability? (With Dario Perkins)
Dario Perkins, Managing Director of Global Macro at TS Lombard, shares his insights into the evolving landscape of U.S. economic confidence. He discusses the growing skepticism around U.S. policies and the implications of trade deficits on foreign investments. The conversation digs into how the Federal Reserve's strategies may shift amid labor market changes and touches on potential recession risks. Perkins also considers what a 'Liz Truss moment' could mean for the U.S., while remaining cautiously optimistic about future recovery and the data to watch.

Apr 25, 2025 • 44min
The State of Rates and the Bond Market During Uncertainty
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. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresInvestors 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.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.Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see https://www.schwab.com/IndexDefinitions.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.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.Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.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.(0425-MPWW) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.