Insights & Education
Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing
The latest commentary
Markets and Economy
Stocks Gain After Jobs News
The U.S. economy added fewer jobs than expected in December, though unemployment dropped. Attention turns to the Supreme Court, expected to rule soon on the legality of tariffs.
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
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.
Trading Tools
Intro to thinkorswim® Part 1
Learn how to use your favorite features and functions of StreetSmart Edge® on the thinkorswim® platform.
Trading Tools
thinkorswim® Android
Learn how to navigate and place trades on the thinkorswim® mobile app for Android.
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.
