Markets and Economy
Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions
Markets and Economy content
Today's Options Market Update
Stocks are modestly lower around midday as markets monitor Middle East news flow, oil prices and yields.
Schwab Market Update Podcast
With the earnings calendar lighter, investors focus on two key inflation reports, retail sales and war news this week. The tech rally took indexes to new record highs Friday.
Emerging market stocks have rebounded to new highs following their correction at the onset of the Iran war. The recent rally has been concentrated around AI. Can this continue?
Looking to the Futures
Crude oil futures (/CL) fell back below $100 per barrel last week after briefly trading above $110 in the front month June contract on April 30.
On Investing
Collin Martin and Inga Rachwald discuss the critical role of diversification in constructing a multi-asset portfolio.
Washington Watch
This report is current as of May 8, 2026
To a surprising degree, 2026 has been dominated by geopolitical developments. From the brief military action to remove the president of Venezuela to the kerfuffle over Greenland to the war in Iran, foreign policy has been in the headlines on an almost daily basis. The uncertainty around these events has produced a roller-coaster market that saw a first-quarter decline in all the major indexes, followed by a relief rally in which the S&P 500 and Nasdaq not only recovered—but set new all-time highs by late April.
Schwab Market Update Podcast
Earnings from McDonald's and a monthly tally of layoffs are both in focus this morning, along with the Middle East. Yesterday's fresh record highs came as crude oil tumbled.
Liz Ann Sonders shares her perspective on the U.S. stock market and economy in this monthly Market Snapshot video.
Schwab Market Update Podcast
Stocks are at record highs after Tuesday's chip-led rally. Investors await ADP jobs data and Disney earnings this morning as they mull solid results from Advanced Micro Devices.