Insights & Education

Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing 

The latest commentary

Schwab Market Perspective

Iran war-related headlines continue to cause volatility in the markets and oil prices to rise, but our experts remind readers that uncertain times might also present opportunities.

April 17, 2026 Liz Ann Sonders • Kevin Gordon • Collin Martin • Michelle Gibley • Chris Ferrarone

Why Corporate Earnings Matter

As earnings season begins, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin assess what corporate profits signal for both stocks and bonds. They also cover how geopolitics, tariffs, inflation, and a "Fed on hold" backdrop are shaping the outlook for markets.

April 17, 2026

Stocks Up, Oil Down

Stocks rose as oil fell after Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz is open. Netflix lost 10% on weak guidance but indexes are on pace for their third straight weekly gain.

April 17, 2026

Iran and the Federal Reserve

Rising oil prices and the historically inflationary aspects of war have changed expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate policy and have pulled Treasury yields higher.

April 15, 2026

Washington: What to Watch Now

There's a fight over war funding looming in Congress after a return from the Easter break, and uncertainty around the timing of the Fed chair confirmation hearing remains.

April 14, 2026

Market updates

Stock Graph

Looking to the Futures

Tom Essig
April 17, 2026
Nathan Peterson

Today's Options Market Update

Nathan Peterson
April 16, 2026

Weekly Trader's Outlook

Nathan Peterson, Jim Ferraioli
April 10, 2026

Investing Basics


Investing Basics: ETFs

August 02, 2024

Technical Analysis

Looking to understand how to read stock charts? Start learning the basics of using charts, identifying trends, applying price patterns, and using charting indicators.

October 19, 2023

What's new in trading

What Is Preferred Stock?

For those considering investing in preferred stocks, it's critical to understand the benefits, characteristics, and risks.

April 10, 2026

Adding Crypto? 2 Approaches

Interested in adding cryptocurrencies to your portfolio? Here are two approaches to consider.

April 06, 2026


Ways to Value Cryptocurrencies

As cryptocurrency price drivers become more fundamental, it's important to consider ways to value this new asset class.

March 27, 2026

Ways to Gain Exposure to Crypto

There are many ways to invest in cryptocurrency. Read more about the various ways to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies.

March 24, 2026

Bitcoin: Where Does It Fit?

Is bitcoin an inflation hedge, currency, portfolio diversifier or something else? We look at what bitcoin can do and where it may fit in a portfolio.

March 24, 2026

thinkorswim® iOS

Learn how to navigate and place trades on the thinkorswim® mobile app for iPhone.

March 19, 2026

Planning and retirement

International Estate Planning

International estate planning doesn't have a one-size-fits-all strategy—learn about challenges non-U.S. citizens can face and what to consider when creating an estate plan.

April 14, 2026

Empowering the Next Generation

Liz Ann interviews Jim Clark, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, about how understanding money basics is essential for building confidence, workforce readiness, and long-term economic mobility for young people.

March 27, 2026


Beyond the 4% Rule

How much can you spend without running out of money? The 4% rule is a popular rule of thumb, but you can do better. Here are guidelines for finding your personalized spending rate.

March 27, 2026

529 Eligible Expenses

529 eligible expenses include K-12 tuition, certain test fees, college housing, and more. Learn what else a 529 account can (and can't) be used for.

February 06, 2026

What Is a 529 Account?

The 529 savings plan provides several tax advantages when used for education expenses.

January 28, 2026

Understanding Tax Cost Ratio

Tax cost ratio is a key metric for tax-efficient investing. Here's what it is and how it works.

November 18, 2025