Shows
On InvestingWhat’s Causing Jitters in the Credit Markets?This week, Collin Martin sits in for Liz Ann Sonders. Kathy Jones and Collin discuss the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cut. They analyze the current state of the credit markets, particularly focusing on recent defaults and the implications for high-yield bonds. The discussion also covers the demand dynamics in private-versus-public credit markets and the potential risks associated with high-yield investments. Finally, they look ahead to upcoming economic indicators and the challenges posed by a lack of data.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more o...
2025-10-2425 minOn InvestingTrends in the Credit MarketsOn this week's episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss equity earnings season, continuing tariff uncertainty, and the fate of embattled Fed Chair Jerome Powell—emphasizing the importance of an independent Fed to both the stock and bond markets.Then, Kathy Jones and Collin Martin dive into the dynamics of the leveraged loan market, highlighting the recent surge in issuance despite anticipated interest rate hikes. They explore the unique characteristics of leveraged loans, including their floating coupon rates and sub-investment grade issuers, touching on the factors driving demand and the potential risks for investors. Additionally, they di...
2025-07-2536 minOn InvestingShould the Fed Focus on Inflation or Unemployment?Kathy Jones and Collin Martin discuss the recent Federal Reserve meeting, the implications of their decisions on interest rates, and the current economic landscape. They delve into the risks of stagflation, market reactions, and the dynamics of the corporate and municipal bond markets. The discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on income and yield in the bond market amid volatility and uncertainty.Finally, Kathy and Liz Ann discuss the data and economic indicators they will be watching in the coming week.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, v...
2025-05-0934 minOn InvestingThe State of Rates and the Bond Market During UncertaintyVolatility and uncertain economic outlooks continue to dominate the macroeconomic landscape. In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones consider the current state of the stock market, which has been characterized by significant price fluctuations. They explore the dynamics of the yield curve and the pressures on central bank independence amid political influences. The discussion also highlights the economic indicators that could impact market sentiment and investor behavior. Then, Kathy Jones and Collin Martin discuss the current status of the bond market, focusing on Treasury yields, the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate decisions, and investment strategies f...
2025-04-2544 minOn Investing2025 Market Outlook: Fixed IncomeAfter you listenRead Cooper Howard's 2025 Municipal Bond Outlook.Read Collin Martin's 2025 Corporate Bond Outlook.Read Kathy Jones's 2025 Treasury Bonds and Fixed Income Outlook.Follow the Schwab Center for Financial Research on X @SchwabResearch.Is the bond market caught between the Federal Reserve's plans to cut interest rates and the risk of higher inflation and federal debt levels? In Part 2 of our 2025 Market Outlook, we focus on the fixed income markets, including corporate and muni bonds. First, Kathy Jones interviews Collin Martin about his outlook for investment-grade corporate bonds, floating-rate notes, and preferred securities.Ne...
2024-12-2026 minOn InvestingUnderstanding Recent Volatility in the Bond MarketIn this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss several of the latest economic indicators, focusing on inflation, employment, and the housing market. They analyze the current state of the S&P 500®, bond yields, and the implications of global interest rate cuts. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding market rotations and the impact of economic data on investment strategies.Next, Kathy speaks with Collin Martin, director and fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. Kathy and Collin discuss the current state of the fixed income markets, focusing on the outlook for interest r...
2024-10-2535 minOn InvestingWhat's New in Stock Sectors & Corporate Bonds?In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones analyze the state of the markets and discuss the current expectations around the Fed's potential rate cuts. Then, Liz Ann speaks with Kevin Gordon about sector trends and changes in the overall market. They discuss the notable shifts in sector performance, particularly in energy and technology. The energy sector has taken the leadership baton from the tech sector, which has been a significant change. The top heaviness of certain sectors, such as communication services and energy, is highlighted. The conversation also touches on Schwab Sector Views and the c...
2024-04-1939 minOn InvestingUnderstanding Corporate Bond Analysis (With Winnie Cisar)In this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss some of the latest questions they are hearing from investors.Corporate bonds have received extra attention lately due to their higher yields. Will that streak continue? Collin Martin joins Kathy Jones for a conversation with Winnie Cisar from CreditSights. They discuss the role of corporate bonds and how credit ratings work. They cover topics such as the role of credit analysts, factors supporting corporate bonds, concerns about low spreads in the market, attractive and worrisome sectors, the role of private credit, and recommended reading and listening materials...
2024-02-2340 minOn InvestingMarket Outlook: What's in Store for 2024?After a tumultuous year for the markets, what's in store for 2024? In this year-end episode, Schwab experts look ahead to consider what investors might expect from the markets in the new year.First, Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab's chief investment strategist, speaks with senior investment strategist Kevin Gordon. Liz Ann offers her perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. She and Kevin discuss inflation, interest rates, company earnings, and the job market, among other topics.Next, Kathy Jones, Schwab's chief fixed income strategist interviews her colleagues Collin Martin and Cooper Howard. K...
2023-12-081h 03On InvestingThis Week's CPI Data and the State of the EconomyIn this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders look back on the week's CPI data and look ahead to what indicators they are both watching next week.For her focus on equities and the economy, Liz Ann Sonders interviews Nancy Lazar, chief global economist at Piper Sandler, where she leads the economics research team. Before joining Piper Sandler, she co-founded Cornerstone Macro, Wall Street's premier macro boutique. Prior to Cornerstone, she was co-founder and vice chairman of ISI Group for more than 20 years. They discuss the likelihood of a recession in the coming months, the state o...
2023-11-1737 min