Financial Decoder

After you listenFollow Kathy and Liz Ann on social media:Kathy Jones on X and LinkedIn.Liz Ann Sonders on X and LinkedIn.What should investors expect from the U.S. economy next year? What will happen in the equities markets and fixed income markets? On this 2026 Market Outlook episode,  Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist, speaks with Kevin Gordon, head of macro research. Liz Ann and Kevin discuss their perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. She and Kevin cover the K-shaped recovery, inflation trends, the impact of AI on capital expenditure, and the implications of fiscal stimulus on federal debt.Then, Liz Ann Sonders discusses the equities outlook for 2026, focusing on consumer confidence, the impact of the presidential election cycle, and the potential for volatility. Finally, Kathy Jones is joined by Cooper Howard and Collin Martin for the outlook on municipal bonds, corporate bonds, U.S. Treasuries, and the overall fixed income markets.You can read all of Schwab's 2026 Market Outlook reports on our website:Read Cooper Howard's 2026 Municipal Bond Outlook.Read Collin Martin's 2026 Corporate Credit Outlook.Read Kathy Jones's 2026 Treasury Bonds and Fixed Income Outlook.Read Liz Ann Sonders and Kevin Gordon's 2026 Stocks & Economic Outlook.Read Michelle Gibley's 2026 International Stocks & Economy Outlook.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab.If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The 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. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.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.The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.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.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 Center for Financial Research 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.Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are inflation-linked securities issued by the US Government whose principal value is adjusted periodically in accordance with the rise and fall in the inflation rate. Thus, the dividend amount payable is also impacted by variations in the inflation rate, as it is based upon the principal value of the bond. It may fluctuate up or down. Repayment at maturity is guaranteed by the US Government and may be adjusted for inflation to become the greater of the original face amount at issuance or that face amount plus an adjustment for inflation. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are guaranteed by the US Government, but inflation-protected bond funds do not provide such a guaranteeThere are risks associated with investing in dividend paying stocks, including but not limited to the risk that stocks may reduce or stop paying dividends.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.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.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively "Bloomberg"). Bloomberg or Bloomberg's licensors own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Indices. Neither Bloomberg nor Bloomberg's licensors approves or endorses this material or guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein, or makes any warranty, express or implied, as to the results to be obtained therefrom and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.1225-LJD8 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:Visit DAFgiving360.org to find the all the donor-advised fund resources Julie mentioned and more.Read "Estate Planning: Lessons from a Loss" to learn how you don't have wait until after death to give to charity and strengthen your legacy.Listen to the Choiceology episode "Happiness: With Guests Scott Harrison & Mike Norton" to hear more about the behavioral science research showing a link between happiness and generosity.In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Julie Sunwoo, president of DAFgiving360™, to discuss the significance of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in charitable giving. Julie explains how DAFs work, their benefits, and how they can be integrated into broader financial strategies like estate planning. Their conversation addresses common misconceptions about DAFs, the impact of tax laws on charitable contributions, and current trends in philanthropic giving. Mark also asks Julie for insight into researching and selecting charities, aligning them with your personal values, and what the future might hold for financial giving. Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The 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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.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.Contributions of certain real estate, private equity, or other illiquid assets may be accepted via a charitable intermediary, with proceeds transferred to a donor-advised fund (DAF) account upon liquidation. Call DAFgiving360 for more information at 800-746-6216.A donor opening a professionally managed account must recommend an independent investment advisor, who, if approved by DAFgiving360, will manage the assets contributed to the account. Advisors must meet certain eligibility requirements, including working with Schwab Advisor Services™, a business segment of The Charles Schwab Corporation, and agree to the Investment Advisory Agreement.Market fluctuations may cause the value of investment fund shares held in a donor-advised fund (DAF) account to be worth more or less than the value of the original contribution to the funds.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.1225-HZV8 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:Check out the first episode of this two-part series, "What Makes a Financial Plan Fit Your Life?"Explore Schwab's other educational resources around financial planning.In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe and Steph Shadel delve into the intricacies of financial planning and portfolio management. They discuss the importance of aligning a portfolio with your financial goals, understanding risk tolerance, and the significance of diversification and rebalancing. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about portfolio management, the emotional aspects of investing, and the impact of market conditions on decision-making. Additionally, they explore tax efficiency and the importance of regularly updating financial plans to reflect life changes.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresInvestors in mutual funds and/or ETFs 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 via . Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The 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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.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.Diversificatio, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.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.Neither the tax-loss harvesting strategy, nor any discussion herein, is intended as tax advice and Schwab Center for Financial Research does not represent that any particular tax consequences will be obtained. Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks including unintended tax implications. Investors should consult with their tax advisors and refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov about the consequences of tax-loss harvesting.This information is not 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, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information. 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.Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non‐discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.1125-DJ7M Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:Read more about the benefits of having a financial plan in the article "5 Ways Financial Planning Can Help."Explore Schwab's education and resources around financial planning.In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Stephanie Shadel, senior wealth advisor at Schwab, to discuss the essential elements of making a new financial plan, focusing on navigating key financial decisions. They explore the importance of setting personal goals, the barriers that prevent individuals from creating a financial plan, and the necessity of honest assessment of your priorities and present situation. Stephanie shares her experiences with past clients and highlights the emotional aspects of initial choices that start the planning process.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The 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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.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.Schwab Wealth Advisory™ ("SWA") is a non‐discretionary investment advisory program sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. ("SWAI") is a Registered Investment Adviser and provides portfolio management for the SWA program. Schwab and SWAI are affiliates and are subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.1125-7H1W Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After you listen:Read more of Rob's insights in his article "How Fed Rate Cuts Can Impact Mortgage Rates."Explore Schwab's education and resources around real estate.In this episode of Financial Decoder, Mark Riepe is joined by Rob Williams, managing director and head of wealth management at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to discuss the complexities of buying a home, covering the essential steps, financial considerations, key players, and even the emotional factors that tend to affect our decision-making around the home-buying process.Learn more about the important elements like mortgage pre-approval, down payments, and closing costs, as Mark and Rob aim to address common misconceptions and mistakes. Their conversation concludes with practical advice and a checklist for potential home buyers to ensure they make informed decisions.Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Reach out to Mark on X @MarkRiepe with your thoughts on the show.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The 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.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.Diversification strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly.S&P 500® Index- Measures the performance of 500 leading publicly traded U.S. companies from a broad range of industries. It is a float-adjusted market-capitalization weighted index.This information is not 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, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.1025-1CJ6Follow Financial Decoder on Spotify to comment on episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.