Podcast
WashingtonWise
Hosted by Charles Schwab · EN
Our finances, portfolios and the markets are affected daily by the policies and politics coming out of Washington. In each episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend, Charles Schwab’s Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, focuses a non-partisan eye on the stories that matter most to investors, and his guests offer actionable suggestions for what to do--and what not to do--with your portfolio.
Podcasts are for informational purposes only. This channel is not monitored by Charles Schwab. Please visit schwab.com/contactus for contact options.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ready or Not, the Digital Stock Market Is Coming
2w ago00:30:14Tap to summarizeShow Notes: One of the hottest buzzwords on Wall Street is "tokenization." While the term has long been used in the context of cryptocurrency, exchanges and companies are moving quickly to create digital stocks. On this episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Jim Ferraioli, director of digital currencies research and strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, for a timely discussion on the implications of tokenization for investors, exchanges, and companies. They discuss how regulators and Congress are moving quickly to make digital stock trading a reality in the United States, the potential cost savings for companies of tokenization, and how investors are driving demand for digital stocks that offer all investors the ability to trade 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and settle almost instantly. Jim offers his thoughts on how and why this evolving development using blockchain technology could impact the markets. Mike also provides updates on the latest developments in Washington, including the arrival of Kevin Warsh as the new chair of the Federal Reserve, the debate on Capitol Hill over a federal gas tax holiday, and the progress of a bipartisan housing reform bill in Congress. 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. DISCLOSURE 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. 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 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. All 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. Diversification, asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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. 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. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risk, including the risk of total loss of principal invested. Cryptocurrencies [such as bitcoin and ethereum] are highly volatile, are not backed or guaranteed by the bank, any central bank or government; are not deposits; are not FDIC insured; are not SIPC protected; and lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. 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. 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. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 0526-LJD4 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Headlines Take a Backseat to Fundamentals in Rally
4w ago00:31:59Tap to summarizeAfter a rough first quarter of 2026, April saw the best monthly gain in major indexes in more than five years. Is it a sign that investors are refocusing on fundamentals and not overreacting to every geopolitical headline? On the latest episode of WashingtonWise, Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist, joins host Mike Townsend for an engaging discussion about the market, the economy, and whether the latest rally can be sustainable. Liz Ann shares her perspective on the strong corporate earnings season, the implications of tariff refunds for companies, how to think about the evolving "AI trade," and what the change in leadership at the Federal Reserve could mean for interest rates and the markets. They also discuss sector performance and how the historic axiom that the markets perform more poorly in summer months than in winter months doesn't fit today's markets. And Liz Ann offers a strong viewpoint on the important distinction between investing and gambling. Mike also provides updates from Washington on several key issues, including the timeline for confirming the new Fed chair, the president's executive order on retirement savings, and the latest round of the gerrymandering wars as states vie to redraw their Congressional district lines." WashingtonWiseis 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 DISCLOSURES 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. 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 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. All 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. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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. Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research. 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/or "transaction fees or other related expenses"), and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 0526-DV0F Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →What's Behind the Rally & Is It Sustainable?
Apr 2300:32:14Tap to summarizeA rocky first quarter for the equities markets gave way to a surprisingly strong start to April, despite ongoing uncertainty from the Middle East conflict, stubborn gas prices, and supply chain disruptions. On this episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Joe Mazzola, head trading and derivatives strategist at Charles Schwab, for a discussion about what's driving the market right now and whether the April rally is sustainable. Joe shares his insights on relief rallies, the start to earnings season, consumer sentiment, and how companies are embracing the "higher for longer" outlook from the Federal Reserve. He also discusses new rules for day traders, the potential impact of mega IPOs on the market, and the three things he's watching for to see if the April rally can sustain its momentum. And Mike provides his perspective on the latest news out of Washington, including Kevin Warsh's confirmation hearing to become the next Fed chair, the opening of the government's tariff refund portal, and the increasing interest among lawmakers in regulating the fast-growing prediction markets. 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 DISCLOSURES 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. 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 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. All 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. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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. 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. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors 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/indexdefinitions 0426-7NF3 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Key Issues in Washington Overshadowed by War
Apr 900:29:57Tap to summarizeThe war in Iran is dominating the headlines, but it's not the only issue percolating in Washington that investors need to be paying attention to. In this episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend focuses on how the war contributed to the negative returns for equity investors in the first quarter of 2026 and looks ahead to how the war and other issues may play out in Q2. He discusses the human and financial toll of the war in Iran and notes how the impact on the global oil supply could take months to sort out even if the war ends soon. He then turns his eye back to Washington to discuss the looming fight in Congress over funding the war, the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, and the uncertainty surrounding when and whether the Federal Reserve will get new leadership. Mike also highlights upcoming regulatory changes, including the potential shift away from quarterly earnings reports, a proposal to allow alternative assets in retirement plans, and the latest on the launch of "Trump Accounts" for children. Finally, he provides his latest thinking on the midterm elections and the near-record number of members of Congress choosing to retire rather than run for re-election. 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 DISCLOSURES 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. 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 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. All 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. Diversification, asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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. 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. 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. 0426-1SYJ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Protecting Your Portfolio Amid Market Uncertainty
Mar 2600:37:08Tap to summarizeThe war in Iran has created uncertainty in both the equity markets and the bond markets, as even the Federal Reserve acknowledged in its recent decision to hold interest rates steady. In this episode of WashingtonWise, Collin Martin, head of fixed income research and strategy at Charles Schwab, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss how fixed income investors can navigate the unusual volatility in the bond market. Collin shares his perspective on next steps for the Fed, whether bonds are still the safe haven investors perceive them to be, and the war’s implications for the U.S. dollar. He dives into the potential for elevated Treasury yields due to changing patterns in bond market ownership and looks at how the private credit markets have been roiled by growing investor concerns. And he provides his thoughts on what investors looking to help protect their portfolios should be focusing on in the bond market. Mike also provides the latest on key issues in Washington, including the looming fight on Capitol Hill over additional funding for the war effort, the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House issuing a plan for regulating artificial intelligence. 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 DISCLOSURES: 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. 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 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. All 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. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. 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. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be more sensitive to interest rate changes than other fixed income investments. They are subject to extension risk, where borrowers extend the duration of their mortgages as interest rates rise, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their mortgages earlier as interest rates fall. These risks may reduce returns. 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. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors 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/indexdefinitions The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 0326-V8NP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →War Headlines Whipsaw Markets & Portfolios
Mar 1200:30:34Tap to summarizeThe military conflict in Iran is roiling markets around the globe. In this episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Kevin Gordon, head of macro research and strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to unpack what the war means for investors amid volatile markets. Kevin shares his perspective on how geopolitical uncertainty is driving sharp swings in oil and gas prices; why markets in the U.S. have so far been more resilient than those in Europe and Asia; and how rising energy costs could affect inflation, consumer spending, and the labor market. He also discusses how the war could impact the ongoing sector rotation toward energy and why bond yields are rising. And he shares some practical takeaways for investors—from why reacting to headlines can be dangerous to which economic indicators are most important to watch as the conflict evolves. Mike also provides updates from Washington, including the possibility of companies receiving tariff refunds this spring, the ongoing stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, and how the Senate primaries in Texas have kicked off the busy midterm election cycle. 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 DISCLOSURES 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. 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 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. All 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. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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. 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. 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. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investors 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/indexdefinitions The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 0326-P71L Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →AI: Fear of Missing Out or Just Fear?
Feb 2600:39:20Tap to summarizeJust as investors were getting comfortable increasing their artificial intelligence holdings, the "AI trade" has been shifting, affecting a wide range of companies across a variety of sectors. Nathan Peterson, director of derivatives research and strategy at Schwab, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss the power of AI as well as its ability to disrupt. They dig into what AI can deliver now, where it is headed, the types of businesses that are being disrupted, and the risks to companies, the jobs market, and the broader economy. Nate shares his perspective on how investors should be thinking about including AI in their portfolios amidst a notable sector rotation. Mike also dives into the Supreme Court’s ruling to invalidate the bulk of President Trump’s tariffs. He lays out the options for new tariffs, discusses the uncertainties for U.S. companies and global trade partners, and considers the case for tariff refunds. 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 DISCLOSURES 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. Investors in mutual funds and/or ETFs should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. 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 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. All 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. Diversification, asset allocation and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. 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, 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. 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/indexdefinitions The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC [link to: https://www.sipc.org/] offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Making Solid Choices in a Volatile Market
Feb 1200:30:38Tap to summarizeAs the markets get off to a slow start to 2026, investors have a lot on their minds. Daniel Stein, manager of two Charles Schwab branches in Virginia, joins host Mike Townsend for a wide-ranging discussion about the key concerns of individual investors, including market volatility, the potential for an AI bubble, the challenges of diversification in a top-heavy market, and international stocks, along with the roles of precious metals and cryptocurrency in a portfolio. Dan offers practical suggestions for assessing whether a portfolio is properly diversified, considerations when rebalancing portfolios, and making disciplined decisions about when to sell assets. Mike also shares updates from Washington on the nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair, a lower profile but critically important nomination to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the GOP’s shrinking majority in the House of Representatives.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.Investors in mutual funds and/or ETFs should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.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 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.All 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.Diversification, asset allocation and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.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, 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.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.Digital currencies [such as bitcoin] are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument.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.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investorsIndexes 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.The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC [link to: https://www.sipc.org/] offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts.0226-BLA0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Don’t Let Headline Drama Disrupt Your Portfolio
Jan 2900:28:00Tap to summarizeThe barrage of unsettling headlines has investors wondering how to manage their investments amid ongoing changes and disruptions coming from Washington. On this episode of WashingtonWise, Kasey McCurdy, chief portfolio strategist at Schwab Wealth Advisory, joins host Mike Townsend to tackle the turbulent start to the year. Kasey shares insights on how investors can tune out the noise when making investment decisions, even when there are few historical comparisons, and offers strategies for building resilient portfolios amidst uncertainty, both geopolitical and domestic. Mike also provides insights on what's happening in Washington right now, including the risk of a second government shutdown, the latest from the Federal Reserve, and the challenges the White House is facing on affordability issues.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 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 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.All 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.Diversification, asset allocation and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.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, 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.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.High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securitiesPreferred 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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.Currency trading is speculative, very volatile and not suitable for all investorsIndexes 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.The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC [link to: https://www.sipc.org/] offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts.0126-4SFT Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Six Issues That Could Move Markets in 2026
Jan 1500:26:34Tap to summarizePolicy and politics are likely to have an outsized impact on the markets in 2026 as the administration, Congress, and the courts seek to shape the policy landscape in advance of the midterm elections. In this episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend focuses on six issues that could directly impact investors in the year ahead, including Federal Reserve independence, geopolitical events like the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, and key debates in Congress around health care policy, government funding, and cryptocurrency regulation. And he discusses the impact to investors' portfolios and the markets in general that proposed rules from regulatory agencies like the SEC, CFTC, and Labor Department could bring. With additional insights on pivotal Supreme Court cases and the implications of the upcoming midterm elections, Mike emphasizes the podcast's mission to help investors cut through political and economic noise, providing clear, fact-based analysis to better understand what truly matters for markets and your investments.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 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.All 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.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, very volatile and not suitable for all investorsCryptocurrency-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.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, https://www.schwab.com/Futures_RiskDisclosure] prior to trading futures products.The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC [link to: https://www.sipc.org/] offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts.0126-UFXB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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