On Investing

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss a busy week for markets, including the election results, the continued evolution of the AI trade, improving market breadth, inflation risks, and the outlook for interest rates and bonds. Liz Ann highlights the recent rotation beyond technology, including strength in healthcare and profitable small-cap stocks, while Collin examines growing risks in AI-related corporate bonds and explains why elevated yields continue to make short- and intermediate-term bonds attractive.
Liz Ann then welcomes investors and authors Jenny Harrington and Rebecca Patterson to discuss their new book, Investment Wisdom for Our Friends and Loved Ones. Featuring essays from 25 prominent women in finance, the book brings together practical, jargon-free perspectives designed to help readers better understand investing and find an approach that fits their individual goals, personalities, and circumstances. Harrington and Patterson share how their careers shaped the project, why financial education can be an equalizer, and how the book's contributors use personal stories and lessons learned to make investing more approachable.
The conversation also explores the importance of understanding both financial and emotional risk tolerance, recognizing how investor behavior can shape long-term outcomes, and building an investment plan that reflects who you are rather than simply following someone else's strategy. The guests also discuss the importance of financial literacy and paying that knowledge forward, with proceeds from the book supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Council for Economic Education.
Finally, Collin and Liz Ann discuss the upcoming economic indicators and data that matter most for investors.
You can learn more about the book at InvestmentWisdomBook.com.
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.
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
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, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
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.
Preferred securities are a type of hybrid investment that share characteristics of both stock and bonds. They are often callable, meaning the issuing company may redeem the security at a certain price after a certain date. Such call features, and the timing of a call, may affect the security's yield. Preferred securities generally have lower credit ratings and a lower claim to assets than the issuer's individual bonds. Like bonds, prices of preferred securities tend to move inversely with interest rates, so their prices may fall during periods of rising interest rates. Investment value will fluctuate, and preferred securities, when sold before maturity, may be worth more or less than original cost. Preferred securities are subject to various other risks including changes in interest rates and credit quality, default risks, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, deferral risk, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be more sensitive to interest rate changes than other fixed income investments. They are subject to extension risk, where borrowers extend the duration of their mortgages as interest rates rise, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their mortgages earlier as interest rates fall. These risks may reduce returns.
Bank loans typically have below investment-grade credit ratings and may be subject to more credit risk, including the risk of nonpayment of principal or interest. Most bank loans have floating coupon rates that are tied to short-term reference rates like the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), so substantial increases in interest rates may make it more difficult for issuers to service their debt and cause an increase in loan defaults. A rise in short-term references rates typically result in higher income payments for investors, however. Bank loans are typically secured by collateral posted by the issuer, or guarantees of its affiliates, the value of which may decline and be insufficient to cover repayment of the loan. Many loans are relatively illiquid or are subject to restrictions on resales, have delayed settlement periods, and may be difficult to value. Bank loans are also subject to maturity extension risk and prepayment risk.
There are risks associated with investing in dividend paying stocks, including but not limited to the risk that stocks may reduce or stop paying dividends.
Investing in alternative investments is speculative, not suitable for all clients, and generally intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who are willing and able to bear the high economic risks of the investment. Investors should obtain and carefully read the related prospectus or offering memorandum, which will contain the information needed to help evaluate the potential investment and provide important disclosures regarding risks, fees and expenses.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.
The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
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
The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
The book Investment Wisdom for Our Friends and Loved Ones is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Schwab has not reviewed the book and makes no representations about its content.
(1126-U321)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin react to the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady, which included two dissents in favor of a hike and Chair Kevin Warsh’s continued concern about inflation. While the Fed emphasized patience and the need for more data, the market response was mixed: Short-term Treasury yields fell, longer-term yields rose, and equities swung as investors tried to interpret what the decision might mean for future rate moves.
The conversation then turns to the growing importance of quality and selectivity across markets. Liz Ann examines how higher borrowing costs are putting pressure on the massive AI and data-center build-out and creating sharper divides between profitable and unprofitable companies, as well as businesses with stronger and weaker balance sheets. Collin sees a similar dynamic in credit markets, where investment-grade corporate issuance has reached a record even as borrowing costs remain elevated. Both stress that headline market resilience can obscure pockets of stress beneath the surface.
Finally, Collin and Liz Ann look ahead to next week's upcoming macroeconomic indicators and key data releases.
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
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
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, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
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.
Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.
The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
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
The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(1026-S8KD)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin examine the sharp swings in Treasury yields, what stubborn inflation could mean for Fed policy, and why bonds can still provide income and diversification even as rates remain elevated. They also dig beneath the surface of earnings season, where concerns about AI spending and debt-financed investment are putting a premium on profitability, balance-sheet strength, and quality.
Finally, Collin and Liz Ann look ahead to next week's upcoming macroeconomic indicators and key data releases.
On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting.
Important Disclosures
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
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, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
​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.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.
The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
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
(1026-MVVE)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin open with the latest inflation data, where a hotter-than-expected core CPI reading raises questions about the Federal Reserve’s next moves. They discuss the broadening of inflation pressures, the jump in Treasury yields, and why investors may need to remain focused on quality as higher rates pressure more interest-rate-sensitive companies. Liz Ann also looks ahead to earnings season, with particular attention on whether companies can justify massive AI-related capital spending through productivity and returns.
Collin then speaks with TCW Chief Investment Officer Bryan Whalen about the unprecedented wave of spending on AI infrastructure and data centers. Whalen explains how hyperscalers are increasingly tapping the corporate bond market to finance that buildout, creating potentially attractive opportunities in their unsecured debt but also new risks in complex data-center financing structures. His central concern isn't whether AI will be transformative, but whether investors are being adequately compensated for the possibility that adoption, economics, or the path of the build-out unfolds differently than markets expect.
Finally, Collin and Liz Ann look ahead to next week's upcoming macroeconomic indicators and key data releases.
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.
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
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, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
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.
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.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be more sensitive to interest rate changes than other fixed income investments. They are subject to extension risk, where borrowers extend the duration of their mortgages as interest rates rise, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their mortgages earlier as interest rates fall. These risks may reduce returns.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.
The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
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.
The Bloomberg US High Yield Caa and Above Index measures USD-denominated, fixed-rate, high-yield corporate bonds rated at least Caa3.
The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
A hyperscaler is a large-scale cloud service provider or technology company that operates massive, globally distributed data center infrastructure to deliver computing, storage, and networking services.
(1026-L54E)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s episode connects two of the biggest themes driving markets today: rising bond yields and a rapidly evolving labor market.
Collin Martin and Liz Ann Sonders discuss why higher Treasury yields matter far beyond the bond market. They explain how rising yields affect mortgage rates, borrowing costs, housing affordability, and stock market leadership. While higher rates create challenges for interest-sensitive sectors like real estate and utilities, as well as lower-quality companies with significant debt burdens, they also create attractive opportunities for fixed income investors.
The featured interview is with ADP Research Chief Economist Nela Richardson, who offers a detailed look at the U.S. labor market through ADP's payroll data. Richardson explains why ADP's employment data can differ from government job reports, discusses emerging wage trends, and introduces ADP's new Pay Insights research. She argues that inflation's lasting impact on purchasing power helps explain weak consumer sentiment even as economic growth remains resilient. The discussion also explores manufacturing, labor shortages, overtime trends, job-switching premiums, and how demographic shifts are reshaping workforce dynamics.
The conversation concludes with a deep dive into artificial intelligence and employment. Richardson shares research suggesting that AI may be reducing opportunities for some younger workers in AI-exposed fields while enhancing productivity and employment prospects for more experienced workers. Despite concerns about disruption, she remains optimistic that a combination of technology adoption and skilled workers can drive the next wave of productivity growth, much as previous technological revolutions did.
You can read the ADP National Employment Report that Nela and Liz Ann discuss at http://www.adpemploymentreport.com/.
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.
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
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, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
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.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.
The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
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
The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Negative correlation refers to investments that tend to move in opposite directions: when one rises, the other falls.
NERP is the National Employment Report Pulse from ADP: https://adpemploymentreport.com/
(1026-GYB3)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.