In this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss the current state of the bond market and the bull market in equities. They explore the volatility in bond yields, the significance of credit spreads, and the importance of employment and inflation data.

This week, Kathy speaks with Carol Spain, managing director and head of credit research for Schwab Asset Management. Kathy and Carol delve into the intricacies of credit analysis, exploring Carol's unique career path, the role of credit analysts, and the current conditions in the credit market. They discuss the dynamics between credit research and portfolio management, the trends in credit spreads, and the factors influencing corporate credit quality. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both macroeconomic conditions and issuer-specific factors in credit analysis, while also addressing the outlook for credit opportunities and potential risks in the market.

Lastly, Kathy and Liz Ann review the schedule for next week's economic data and indicators—and tell you which ones really matter.

Read the article by Liz Ann Sonders and Kevin Gordon on the bull market, "Is the Two-Year-Old Bull Market 2 Legit 2 Quit?"

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.

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.

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

ISM is the Institute for Supply Management. https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-report-on-business/

JOLTS is the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey.

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How can the stock market be a hedge against inflation? What are some pros and cons of the current market environment?

In this conversation, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss the recent jobs report, which exceeded expectations, and its implications for the economy and Federal Reserve policy. They explore the strength of the labor market, the bond market's reaction, and the importance of consumer spending in driving economic growth.

Then, Liz Ann is joined by Paul Hickey, cofounder of Bespoke Investment Group. They discuss various aspects of the stock market, focusing on the importance of time in the market, mitigating emotional decision-making, and the overall impact of inflation on cash and purchasing power. They explore current market conditions, including pros and cons, geopolitical risks, and the role of the Fed. Both emphasize the significance of long-term investing and the potential for positive market outcomes despite short-term volatility.

Finally, Kathy and Liz Ann offer the outlook for next week's economic data and indicators.

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 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 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.
The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.
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.

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.
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 policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research.
Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) is designed to gauge and track the pulse of the single-family housing market. https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/indices/housing-market-index

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In this episode, Liz Ann and Kathy discuss the unique characteristics of the current economic cycle, emphasizing its differences from historical cycles. They explore the implications of geopolitical events on market behavior, the Fed's potential reactions to inflationary pressures, and the significance of historical Fed cycles in understanding market trends.

Finally, Kathy and Liz Ann offer the outlook for next week's economic data and indicators.

You can read Liz Ann's articles on historical rate-cutting cycles: "What Past Fed Rate Cycles Can Tell Us" and "It's Time … For a Fed Pivot."

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.

​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.

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.

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

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