Markets and Economy
Read our latest market commentary on of-the-moment trends so you can make informed investment decisions
Markets and Economy content
Bond Insights
Answers to questions investors are asking about Treasury bonds, tax policy, credit quality, and other issues affecting fixed income investments.
Market Outlook
The earnings bar is fairly low for the second quarter, setting companies up for a potential easy jump—but there will likely be more focus on forward guidance.
Washington Watch
Congress approved the "One Big Beautiful Bill" tax-and-spending plan. Here are some of the key provisions for investors and taxpayers.
Israel-Iran hostilities brought a short-term market focus on oil. Longer term, artificial intelligence (AI) electricity needs could create a power shortage, as well as opportunities and risks for investors.
Bond Insights
Tax policy may continue to be a factor in the second half of the year, although Congress looks likely to maintain current tax brackets and the muni tax exemption.
On Investing
Mike Townsend joins the show to discuss the news out of Washington, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and the market's reaction.
Bond Insights
We continue to suggest an "up in quality" fixed income bias for the short run, but investors can still consider some of the riskier parts of the fixed income market in moderation.
Inflation's trend has been favorable this year, but a growing conflict in Iran—combined with already-imposed tariffs—might put upward pressure in prices later this year.
What happens in global supply chains can provide insight into how tariffs and the trade war may affect economies around the world.