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Perception Versus Reality
by Liz Ann Sonders, Brad Sorensen, and Michelle Gibley of Charles Schwab, 8/27/10
Market volume continues its traditional August swoon, making it difficult to gauge much from stock market action. Economic data continues to tell a mixed story, as growth slows and risks rise. Confidence is key to consumer spending, business investment and stock market performance. The Federal Reserve and the government are attempting to instill that confidence in the American public, but so far have had little success. Emerging markets continue to show signs of growth and China's market has been performing well. Germany also has posted some nice numbers lately, but Japan remains a concern.

Late Summer Slumber?
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 8/16/10
The stock market rallied nicely in July after reaching the bottom of its recent range. Incoming data remains mixed but indicates that the economic expansion continues. However, risks remain elevated. The Federal Reserve downgraded its view and is discussing how to combat possible deflation, while federal and state governments continue to grapple with budget issues. Chinese growth has slowed, but the stock market is providing some positive indicators. Central banks around the world are creating a muddied picture.

Back to Zero: Deflation Fears Emerge
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 8/4/10
The current high correlation between stocks and bonds has only two historical precedents - periods when deflation was a reality, or when it was a fear. Low inflation is the reality today, but worries about deflation have still wreaked some havoc on markets. The latest rally may be based on a combination of waning deflation risk and the lessened likelihood of a double-dip recession.

Bull/Bear Standoff
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 7/31/10
Bulls and bears both have strong cases. With earnings results and economic data indicating continued growth, we lean toward the bullish side?although risks to the bullish case are elevated. Uncertainty and concern regarding government actions continue to weigh on sentiment, while the Federal Reserve leaves all options on the table. Some questioned the credibility of European stress tests, but the market responded favorably. Meanwhile, China's growth appears to be moderating but remains relatively robust.

Double Trouble: A Slowdown, Not a Meltdown
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 7/13/10
Double-dip recessions are historically rare, but fears about them are less rare. One key indicator has flashed a recession warning, but several more tell a more positive story. Investors need to be objective, not emotional, when reading the economic tea leaves.

No Surprises from the Fed
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 6/24/10
The Federal Open Market Committee surprised no one with its decision to keep the Fed funds target rate in a range between zero and 0.25 percent, where it's been since December 2008. The new statement marked the first time since the economic recovery began last summer that the Fed had to slightly dial back its language about the pace of the recovery. Stocks rallied immediately after the announcement, but in light of rampant intraday volatility lately, it's way too soon to judge if there will be any longer-term impact.

Life in the Fast Lane: Volatility and Uncertainty Abound!
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 6/18/10
A 'square root' recovery is the most likely scenario: a V-shaped initial recovery followed by a flat-line period of growth. With the peaking in the US leading indicators in April, a likely double-dip in the euro area, slowing growth in China and rising US taxes, the beginning of a soft patch for the economy is likely upon us. This next phase has been accompanied by heightened volatility, a characteristic that is unlikely to go away. However, the current rally off the recent lows has legs.

Some Days Are Better Than Others... Just Not These Days
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 6/3/10
The wall of worry is back - and that's not a bad thing. Thanks to the correction, valuation has improved, while excessively bullish sentiment is no more. Growth estimates should be pared back for the second half of this year and next year, as well. Europe's debt crisis has become a deflationary event. The Treasury yield curve presently predicts the risk of a recession this year or next, however, as near-zero. The most likely shape of the recovery continues to be a 'square root,' with a V-shaped recovery followed by a leveling out of growth.

Volatility on the Rise
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 5/17/10
Volatility in stocks has increased during the past several weeks as investors have grappled with numerous global concerns. Is this the start of a longer-term problem or is it just a short-term phenomenon? Developments in the housing and job markets hold the key to further economic improvement. Meanwhile, the European debt crisis was addressed with a massive package, but long-term issues remain, and China's rapid growth rate could lead to overheating and inflation.

Typical Situation: Do We Have a V-Shaped Recovery?
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 5/4/10
The same leading indicators that warned of the recession in 2007 have been recently pointing to a strong recovery in the United States and globally. Ignoring them in late 2007 and again in early 2009 were both mistakes, particularly from an investment perspective. Concerns over Greece and contagion gave the market some indigestion last week, but a period of consolidation was not unexpected given prior market strength. Overly bullish sentiment (a contrarian indicator) still needs some working off, but the technical underpinnings for the market remain healthy.

Resilience Resonates
by Liz Ann Sonders of Charles Schwab, 5/1/10
The stock market has absorbed numerous body blows recently, but continues to chug along?waiting for a big price correction to buy could be detrimental. Economic data remains solid, confounding some recovery skeptics and providing the Fed ample reason to slowly return to normalcy. European debt problems are growing and concerns over contagion are rising; there's no quick fix, and some politically unpopular decisions are going to have to be made.
Results 651–661 of 661 found.