Insights & Education
Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing
The latest commentary
Markets and Economy
Stocks Down, Yields Up
Climbing yields might help explain weakness in stocks after Trump raised deficit worries, calling for more defense spending. Defense companies rallied, and jobs data looms Friday.
Government Policy
Washington: What to Watch Now
The recent military action in Venezuela is top of mind as 2026 begins.
Markets and Economy
2025 Review With Note on Venezuela
The capture of Venezuelan President Maduro has been digested well by global markets, which is in keeping with 2025’s theme of massive volatility and solid index-level returns.
Market Volatility
What Is a Recession?
Understand how a recession is defined and how to avoid common investment mistakes during recession-driven stock market downturns.
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
Trading Tools
Intro to thinkorswim® Desktop
Welcome to thinkorswim®. In this video we'll provide a high-level tour of the most commonly used features of the thinkorswim trading platform.
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.
