WashingtonWise

There has been a flurry of geopolitical developments in recent weeks, from Congress passing a massive foreign aid bill to Cabinet members visiting China to India's elections. But the one that has grabbed the most attention―at least among your kids―is the potential banning of Chinese-owned TikTok. Jeff Kleintop, Schwab's chief global investment strategist, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss the implications of these developments for investors and to answer the question of whether TikTok really could be banned. Jeff also explores whether aid to Ukraine could change the course of its war with Russia, whether China's flooding of global markets with goods could impact U.S. inflation, and how shipping challenges are affecting the delivery of goods around the world. He weighs in on India's massive growth and shares his thoughts on how investors can take advantage of potential global opportunities. In his Washington update, Mike discusses the politics around the foreign aid bill and why the congressional legislative agenda is looking thin in the months ahead. He also provides perspective on next year's looming battle over tax reform and shares news of a recent IRS decision that directly impacts anyone who has recently inherited an IRA. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions. Digital currencies [such as bitcoin] are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument. Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor’s goal will be met. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a...

The Fed says its decisions are data-driven, but recent data on inflation, jobs, and other key economic metrics don't seem to be offering a consistent message. Kevin Gordon, Schwab's senior investment strategist, joins host Mike Townsend to go below the headline data and look at what the Fed is watching as it continues to fight sticky inflation and make decisions on rate cuts. They discuss what impact the reduced expectations for rate cuts in 2024 night be having on the market and whether the sky-high federal debt is contributing to stubborn inflation. Kevin also looks at the state of investor sentiment in a time of uncertainty, explains why the so-called Magnificent Seven may not be so magnificent anymore, and offers some thoughts on why the old "sell in May and go away" adage may not be the best investing strategy in 2024. Mike also discusses the ongoing battle in Congress over foreign aid and how priorities have shifted; looks at how lawmakers are positioning themselves for a massive policy battle over the expiring 2017 tax cuts; and observes that the regulatory process in Washington is increasingly being played out in the courts. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market. Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy. Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors. Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor’s goal will be met. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a...

Medicare is one of the toughest federal programs to navigate, a maze of confusing choices, odd deadlines, and potential penalties. Yet it's critically important for everyone, even if you're just starting out in your career, to understand it. On this episode, Susan Hirshman, director of wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research and a Medicare expert, joins host Mike Townsend to help demystify Medicare for listeners. Noting that almost everyone pays into Medicare from their very first job, Hirshman discusses how Medicare needs to be part of your financial plan throughout your life—not just right before you turn 65. She shares insight on the key choices and deadlines in Medicare, how to determine which Medicare option is right for you, the importance of long-term care insurance and health savings accounts to supplement Medicare, and how to avoid common mistakes. Mike also shares his latest updates from Washington, including the president's new budget proposal, the recent vote in the House of Representatives that could lead to banning the popular social media app TikTok, and the court battle that has put a temporary stop to the SEC's controversial new climate risk disclosure rule. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Interest income on individual municipal bonds may not be tax-exempt, depending on the bond issuer, the type of bond, or your state of residence. Interest income on bonds issued by U.S. states, cities, counties, their enterprises, and U.S territories is generally federal-tax-exempt, and state-tax-exempt for residents of the state in which the issuer resides. In addition, municipal bond interest for bonds issued in U.S. territories is generally state-tax-exempt in all 50 states. Consult your tax advisor regarding your personal situation. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and...

The presidential election and its impact on the markets loom large among investors' concerns. Mike Townsend tapped the resources of Schwab's Center for Financial Research to answer client questions, including the role of third-party candidates; what happens if either of the main candidates leaves the race; and how the markets, as well as individual sectors, typically perform in the run-up to the election and immediately afterward. Mike also looks at historical market correlations with election outcomes, explains why the Congressional elections may be more important to the markets than the presidential race, and offers key takeaways for how to keep emotions in check and approach this election season. In other Washington updates, Mike discusses the possibility of a government shutdown as the federal budget remains unfunded more than five months after the start of this fiscal year. He also looks at two bills that seem to be on hold, the $95 billion foreign aid bill and the tax bill that would expand the Child Tax Credit and extend some business tax breaks. And he offers an update on two rules approved by the SEC, one requiring public companies to offer more information to investors about risks they could encounter from climate change and another that brings more transparency to the equities-trading process. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. ​This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more...

Bonds can be intimidating. While many investors regard them as a necessary component of a balanced portfolio, that doesn't mean they have a good understanding of how they work. When U.S. bonds struggled to their worst performance ever in 2022, investors naturally were spooked. But in 2024 bonds offer attractive yields and can present opportunities to investors. In this episode, Mike is joined by Cooper Howard and Collin Martin, two fixed income strategists from the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to help investors gain a better understanding of the special language of bonds, the pros and cons of investing in bond funds versus individual bonds, and the important role of the Fed and the Treasury Department in the bond market. They also share perspective on what investors can expect from the bond market in 2024. Mike also checks in on what's happening in Washington, including the turmoil in Congress that is preventing any forward progress on multiple issues, how that paralysis could lead to a government shutdown in early March, the recent flip of a House seat, and ongoing resignations that will change the face of Congress. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks, including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. Tax‐exempt bonds are not necessarily a suitable investment for all persons. Information related to a security's tax‐exempt status (federal and in‐state) is obtained from third parties, and Schwab does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax‐exempt income may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax. The information and content provided herein is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be construed, as a specific recommendation, individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws are...

From China's economic woes and tensions with Taiwan, to escalating fighting in the Middle East and the disruption of shipping routes, to central banks keeping interest rates high, there is no shortage of anxiety about geopolitical risks. On today's episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Jeffrey Kleintop, Schwab's chief global investment strategist, to look beyond the worrisome headlines to see how economies around the globe are doing and what's driving their markets. Jeff shares his perspectives on China's slowdown, the implications of Taiwan's recent election on U.S.-China relations, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including how attacks on container ships in the Red Sea are impacting the global supply chain. He also discusses the messages being sent by central banks around the world, why Japan may offer investors an alternative to areas of geopolitical risks, and why investors need to keep an eye on international opportunities despite the headlines. Mike also looks at a rare bipartisan tax bill that has cleared the House, the politics surrounding the Senate's border security package, and the Federal Reserve's hints about when it may pivot to cutting interest rates. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. ​Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. ​This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries...

With the S&P 500® and Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting record highs recently, the bear market is officially over. But is this momentum sustainable? Schwab Senior Investment Strategist Kevin Gordon joins host Mike Townsend to dig into the latest economic data and discuss some potentially worrisome signals as well as signs of improvement. They also preview the upcoming Fed meeting and the outlook for rate cuts in 2024, discuss how rolling recessions are starting to become rolling recoveries, and remind investors why they should not let this year’s presidential election become an investing distraction. And Mike provides an update on the latest from Washington, where lawmakers again barely averted a government shutdown, there is surprising bipartisan support for a tax bill, and the SEC reluctantly approved the first Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. ​Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager. ​Rebalancing does not protect against losses or guarantee that an investor’s goal will be met. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a non-retirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability. Forecasts contained herein are for...

For investors, 2024 has more than its share of unknowns, including what steps the Fed and other central banks will take, the direction of ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and how elections both in the U.S. and more than 60 countries around the world will play out. These unpredictable factors can lead to volatility in the markets and anxiety for investors, which can contribute to poor decisions. One way for investors to navigate a challenging environment is to understand how fund managers make decisions when facing uncertainty. On today’s episode, host Mike Townsend talks with Omar Aguilar, CEO and chief investment officer at Schwab Asset Management, about how fund managers keep their emotions in check when volatility increases. They discuss how to diversify when it feels like every investor is invested in the same small number of companies, what to watch for in the first quarter earnings season, and whether now is the time to put some cash that has been earning decent returns back into the market. They also talk about how staying invested, staying diversified, and staying disciplined are critical to reaching your investing goals during times of market stress. Mike also provides updates from Washington on the latest talks to avert a looming government shutdown and the president’s request for emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other global priorities. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. ​Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is...

With 2023 winding down, it’s important for investors to take stock of their financial plan, consider strategies to minimize taxes, and begin looking for opportunities in 2024. Host Mike Townsend is joined by Daniel Stein, who manages two Schwab branches in Virginia, to discuss what investors are most concerned about right now, some key end-of-year planning strategies for investors to consider, and how to think about some of the uncertainties facing the markets next year. Dan provides practical suggestions on minimizing taxes by using tax-loss harvesting and other techniques; the importance of creating an estate plan or revisiting the one you have to help ensure it still fits your evolving circumstances, along with some specific strategies for estate planning; and taking a longer-term view on fixed income investing. He also discusses Schwab’s 2024 market outlook. Mike also provides updates on the latest news out of Washington, including the negotiations over a major aid package for Ukraine and Israel, next week’s Fed meeting, and a decision by the IRS to delay a controversial new tax reporting requirement for payment apps and e-commerce platforms. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. A bond ladder, depending on the types and amount of securities within the ladder, may not ensure adequate diversification of your investment portfolio. This potential lack of diversification may result in heightened volatility of the value of your portfolio. As compared to other fixed income products and strategies, engaging in a bond ladder strategy may potentially result in future reinvestment at lower interest rates and may necessitate higher minimum investments to maintain cost-effectiveness. Evaluate whether a bond ladder and the securities held within it are consistent with your investment objective, risk tolerance and financial circumstances. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. This information is not...

In today’s globally interconnected financial world, fraud and scams are all too common, and anyone can become a victim. On this episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend talks with DJ Johnson, head of Financial Crimes Risk Management at Charles Schwab, about the ever-evolving fraud landscape and how you can protect yourself. They discuss the scope of the problem, the most frequently used ploys, and how fraudsters are using the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, to dupe even savvy investors. They also talk about what Schwab does to protect its clients from fraud and offer practical steps every investor should take to protect themselves and their finances. Mike also reports on the latest efforts to avert a government shutdown in Washington, offers an update on the state of the 2024 election one year out, and provides his perspective on this week’s meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Digital currencies [such as bitcoin] are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB. (1123-36TC)

In this episode of On Investing, hosts Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones welcome Mike Townsend to the show. Mike is Schwab's managing director of legislative and regulatory affairs in Washington D.C. He is also the host of Schwab's WashingtonWise podcast, which explores the intersection between policy, politics, the markets, and the economy. He shares his thoughts on the 2024 election cycle, the likelihood of a government shutdown, and the state of the federal budget deficit and government debt. Kathy and Liz Ann also give an update on what they are keeping an eye on next week in the markets. Liz Ann Sonders is Schwab's chief investment strategist. She's regularly quoted in financial publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron's,and the Financial Times. She also appears as a regular guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business News. Liz Ann has been named "Best Market Strategist" by Kiplinger'sPersonal Finance and one of SmartMoney magazine's "Power 30." Barron's has named her to its "100 Most Influential Women in Finance" list, and Investment Advisor has included her on the "IA 25," its list of the 25 most important people in and around the financial advisory profession. Kathy is Schwab's chief fixed income strategist. She is a regular guest on CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg TV, and many other networks and is often quoted by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Times, and Reuters. Kathy has been an analyst of global credit markets throughout her career, working with both institutional and retail clients. On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab. ​Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. ​Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. ​ The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB. (1123-3FA8)

Huge challenges are looming as Capitol Hill inches its way back towards normal after the unprecedented ouster of the speaker of the House and a three-week search for his successor. On this episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend dives into how the recent chaos in the House and the emergence of a relative unknown may impact key policy issues. Mike offers his insight on the ever-present concern over a government shutdown, lawmakers' response to the president’s request for an emergency spending package to aid Israel and Ukraine, and how higher interest rates are fueling difficult decisions on the federal deficit. He also looks into the new White House executive order on artificial intelligence as well as the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold the interest rate steady. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. ​The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein is obtained from what are considered reliable sources; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. ​Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see Schwab.com/IndexDefinitions. Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB. ​​Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. (1123-3P8Z)

The recent attacks in Israel are a reminder that geopolitical events can happen at any time, but when it comes to global investing, it’s often the big picture that tells the real story. Jeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, joins Mike Townsend to assess the ever-present nature of geopolitical risks that can have far-reaching impact in today’s interconnected economy. Mike and Jeff also dive into the headline issues that are affecting China’s economy, including the troubles with its largest property developers, and explore the renewed efforts in Washington to improve U.S.-China relations. They also discuss whether Europe is turning the corner and why Japan is seeing its best stock market performance in decades. They zoom out to see beyond the short term and look at where opportunities for investors may be emerging. Mike also addresses the latest news from Washington, where chaos in the House of Representatives is increasing worries about a government shutdown in November and imperiling the broader policy agenda. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. ​Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, illiquid and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested in directly. For additional information, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in...

As the Federal Reserve continues to send the message that interest rates will stay elevated well into 2024, bond yields are the highest they have been in more than 15 years. In this episode, host Mike Townsend welcomes Kathy Jones, chief fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to get her perspective on how bond investors can take advantage of what some are calling a once-in-a-generation opportunity. They discuss individual bonds vs. bond funds, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Kathy offers her perspective on the latest Fed action and how the Fed may react if a government shutdown curtails its access to key economic data in the coming weeks. She also offers her considerations for how to make bonds part of a well-diversified portfolio, whether you are a long-time fixed income investor or a newcomer to the world of bond investing. In addition, Mike provides the latest on the scramble on Capitol Hill to avert a government shutdown and looks at some of the implications of a shutdown for investors. He also takes a look at a new SEC rule that seeks to help investors understand what they are getting by requiring mutual fund and exchange-traded fund names better align with their goals and strategies. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling Schwab at 1-800-435-4000. Please read it carefully before investing. The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. ​​Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risks including loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily a suitable investment for all persons. Information related to a security's tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third-parties and Schwab does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital...

Lately the data on the economy and the markets has been all over the place, making it hard for investors to get a good read on where things are headed. Some indexes are way up, while others are only up a few percent. Inflation has come way down but remains sticky—and the Fed is contemplating raising rates again. Consumers are spending a lot of money on travel and services, but retailers are starting to feel the pinch as spending patterns have changed. So how do investors make sense of all the data? Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist with the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins Mike Townsend to dig into what’s behind the data, why key data points often need to be revised, and how investors can best interpret the information. They also share insights on the recession-versus-soft-landing debate, whether markets care about government shutdowns, and what to look for from the markets in Q4. Mike also provides updates on Congress careening toward a possible government shutdown later this fall, the confirmation of a trio of Federal Reserve Board nominees, and a recent IRS ruling that provides clarity on two key retirement savings initiatives. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested in directly. ​Past performance is no guarantee of future results. ​This information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner, or Investment Manager. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Small cap investments are subject to greater volatility than those in other asset categories. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ​Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a...

When it comes to transformational technology, artificial intelligence is expected to rival the internet in its impact. For many investors, there is a fear of missing out—but there are also challenges sorting through all the companies making claims about their AI capabilities. Randy Frederick, managing director for trading and derivatives at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss the disruptive nature of AI, where the technology is headed, and what investors need to look for in companies touting their AI credentials. They also look at the risks involved in AI investing and whether lessons learned from the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s can be applied to the AI buzz today. Mike also provides updates on the Fed's latest interest rate hike and the likelihood of one more hike before year end. And he lays out the serious time crunch Congress is facing to pass the 12 appropriations bills that fund every federal agency and program for the next fiscal year before the October 1 government shutdown deadline. He also reports on how the hoped-for bipartisanship on regulating cryptocurrency is fading on Capitol Hill. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested in directly. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Digital currencies, such as bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Schwab Equity Ratings and the general buy/hold/sell guidance are not personal recommendations for any particular investor or client and do not take into account the financial, investment or other objectives or needs of, and may not be suitable for, any particular investor or client. Investors and clients should consider Schwab Equity Ratings as only a single factor in making their investment decision while taking into account the current market environment. 0723-39NP

Artificial Intelligence is quite the buzzword these days. Practically overnight it seems to have grown from something with specific uses that is employed by big companies behind the scenes to a household term impacting everything from our entertainment to our politics. While hundreds of millions of users around the world are enjoying ChatGPT and similar chatbots, serious concerns are being raised about how it can be used to defraud us, take our jobs, or even end humanity. Bashar Abouseido, Schwab’s chief information security officer, joins Mike Townsend to discuss what AI is, how it is currently being used and the emerging real world applications that will enhance productivity, customer service and the quality of information. They also explore some of the concerns for misuse and abuse, the need for government regulations to put some guardrails around this emerging technology and the importance of international cooperation. Mike also discusses three big issues facing Congress right now: the government funding battle that could be on a path to a government shutdown this fall; the fight over environmental, social, and governmental investing (ESG); and the impending confirmation of three nominees to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Because environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies exclude some securities, ESG-focused products may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as products that do not use such strategies. Additionally, the criteria used to select companies for investment may result in investing in securities, industries or sectors that underperform the market as a whole. Digital currencies, such as bitcoin, are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view Bitcoin as a purely speculative instrument. 0723-3408

Bonds' role in a portfolio is to provide income and diversification. But in 2022, they had the worst returns in decades and also failed to provide the ballast they typically would when equity markets are down. Now the Fed's rapid rate hikes have changed the equation, and investors are giving bonds another look. Collin Martin, director of fixed income strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins Mike Townsend to consider what the Fed may do next after it chose to pause rate hikes and what the implications could be for investors, borrowers, corporations, and the economy in general. They also discuss how to choose bonds that may be right for you—and which ones to avoid. Mike offers insight on the hurdles and deadlines Congress faces in order to pass the 12 appropriation bills to keep the government open and operating. He shares an update on the nominees to fill open positions at the Fed and looks at the bipartisan efforts in Congress to toughen banking regulations, including legislation to increase penalties on executives at failed banks. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although a money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risks, including loss of principal. Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily a suitable investment for all persons. Information related to a security's tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third-parties and Schwab does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax. (0623-3SXW)

While markets are calm after the debt ceiling resolution, disruptors persist. Liz Ann Sonders, Kathy Jones, and Jeff Kleintop join host Mike Townsend to discuss some of the key issues that could roil the markets throughout the second half of 2023. Liz Ann, Schwab’s chief investment strategist, discusses how the debt ceiling deal is good for the markets in the near term, but rising debt poses worries in the future. She also shares her thoughts on whether the market’s upward trajectory is sustainable. Then Kathy, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, offers her perspective on the bond market, concerns at the credit rating agencies about the U.S. debt load, and the Fed’s decision this week to pause its 16-month run of interest rate hikes. Finally, Jeff, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, discusses the implications for international investors of Europe’s debt issues and the European recession, plus how the ongoing U.S.-China tensions could affect emerging-market investors. And Mike breaks down the final debt ceiling bill to focus on what it does and does not accomplish and the work left for Washington to address. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Money market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is an American private non profit research organization "committed to undertaking and disseminating unbiased economic research among public policymakers, business professionals, and the academic community." The NBER is known for providing start and end dates for recessions in the United...

Investors are growing increasingly concerned as Washington policy battles are stirring up the markets. In this episode, host Mike Townsend responds to some of the key questions that investors are asking. He takes a deep dive into the latest on the debt ceiling drama, including the uncertainty around the timing of a potential default, the contours of a possible deal, and whether there are alternatives that could be used to avoid default if negotiations on Capitol Hill collapse. He also looks at whether a default would accelerate a move away from the dollar as the world's reserve currency. And he provides perspective on other key debates in Washington and how they could affect the markets, including new policies in the wake of three large bank failures, the Fed's exploration of a central bank digital currency, and whether efforts by policymakers to discourage stock buybacks are working. WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk. Currencies are speculative, very volatile and are not suitable for all investors. Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. All corporate names are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 0523-35VB