Insights & Education
Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing
The latest commentary
A Week of Whiplash
Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss market volatility, tariffs, Greenland, Japanese bond yields, and some momentum toward precious metals.
Markets and Economy
Stocks Dip, Volatility Up
A wild week of sharp dips and rallies approached its end with stocks under pressure and risk measures still elevated. Next week features the Fed and mega-cap earnings.
Bonds
Municipal Bond Risks in 2026
While our outlook for the municipal bond market in 2026 is positive overall, we have identified five risks that we believe should be on investors' radar.
Market Volatility
Stocks Sink on Trade Tensions
U.S. stocks face broad sell-off and Treasurys plunge with investors rattled by tariff threats amid President Trump's push to acquire Greenland.
Investing Basics
Technical Analysis
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.
Popular in trading
Cryptocurrency
Crypto: Understanding Value
Understanding fundamental drivers can help investors evaluate different cryptocurrency protocols.
Will the Dollar Be Dethroned?
Could the U.S. dollar lose its place as the world's reserve currency? Despite a long-term trend toward currency diversification, we don't see the dollar losing dominance anytime soon.
Cryptocurrency
Ether ETFs Cleared for Trading
Trading is scheduled to start July 23 in the second cryptocurrency-based ETF product cleared by the SEC—but investors should continue to proceed with caution.
Technical Analysis
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.
Trading Tools
Intro to thinkorswim® Part 2
This video will familiarize you with the thinkorswim® platform so you can take advantage of your favorite features and functions of StreetSmart Edge® when using thinkorswim.
Planning and retirement
Education
529 College Savings Plans
The 529 savings plan provides several tax advantages when used for education expenses.
Tax Planning
Understanding Tax Cost Ratio
Tax cost ratio is a key metric for tax-efficient investing. Here's what it is and how it works.
Behavioral Finance
What is the Sunk Cost Fallacy?
The desire to get your money's worth can lead you in some potentially harmful directions.
Markets and Economy
Volatility in Retirement
Don’t have a cash reserve? Here are some ways to adjust your spending and withdrawals to help ease the burden on your portfolio.
Investments
Optimism Versus Reality
Investors are optimistic they'll achieve their financial goals, thanks to access to more investment options. But many investors also don't feel in control of their finances.
Tax Planning
Tax Deductions & Tips
Learn the two main tax deduction types, how tax deductions work, and how they may or may not apply to you and your taxes.
