On Investing

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 putt...

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...

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...

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 Ne...

This week’s episode explores the growing tension between resilient economic growth, cooling inflation data, and rising interest rates. Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss the recent flattening of the Treasury yield curve, the latest inflation and GDP reports, and what higher yields mean for stocks and bonds. While inflation data showed encouraging signs of moderation, both Collin and Liz Ann note that risks remain, particularly from higher energy costs and the inflationary effects of AI-related investment spending.

The conversation then shifts to an interview with Vanda Research co-founder Eric Liu, who explains how investor positioning an...

This episode focuses on what rising interest rates are really signaling, why stock market strength may be masking weakness beneath the surface, and how investors should think about bond allocations in a higher-for-longer rate environment.

Liz Ann Sonders argues that the relationship between stocks and bonds has fundamentally changed from the "Great Moderation" era. Rather than rising bond yields reflecting stronger growth and supporting stocks, today's environment looks more like an earlier inflation-driven period where higher yields can put pressure on equity valuations. Despite the S&P 500 sitting near record highs, she notes that market leadership remains...

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin analyze the Federal Reserve’s latest rate hike. They unpack why the Fed acted now, arguing that inflation remains too persistent despite a resilient economy, strong labor market, and robust consumer spending. They discuss the Fed's updated projections, which suggest inflation may not return to its 2% target until 2028 and imply the possibility of additional rate hikes ahead.

The conversation then turns to market implications. Stocks sold off following the announcement as Treasury yields climbed above 5%, reflecting expectations that monetary policy may remain tighter for longer. Liz Ann highlights that while some in...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders reflects on four decades on Wall Street, sharing timeless investing lessons that remain relevant in today’s market environment. Drawing on wisdom from legendary investors and classic books, she highlights the importance of humility, adaptability, and emotional discipline.

Liz Ann and Collin then turn to current market developments, including rising Treasury yields, increased Treasury buyback operations, and the growing competition for investor dollars between bonds and equities. Collin explains why bond yields have been attracting more attention and what upcoming policy decisions from the Treasury and Federal Reserve could mean for ma...

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech struck a more hawkish tone than investors expected, increasing the likelihood of another rate hike as the Fed remains focused on persistent inflation. Collin Martin and Liz Ann Sonders discuss what that means for markets, why the speed and purpose of rate hikes matter more than any specific interest-rate level, and how investors may be entering a new era of higher inflation volatility, shifting stock-bond relationships, and increased market sensitivity to economic data. Finally, they look ahead to the indicators and data that could matter most to investors in the coming week.<...

This episode of On Investing looks at a market environment increasingly shaped by persistent inflation, rising long-term Treasury yields, fiscal concerns, and renewed trade tensions. Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin begin by discussing the latest inflation data, which continues to show price pressures well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. While wage growth is not driving inflation, they highlight several other forces keeping inflation elevated, including energy prices, tariffs, and the massive investment required to support the AI boom.

The conversation then turns to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's efforts to influence long-term interest rates after yields surged...

In this episode of On Investing, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin examine the recent surge in global bond yields and what it means for investors. Collin explains that long-term Treasury yields have risen due to a combination of the Federal Reserve's hawkish posture, elevated uncertainty premiums, fiscal concerns, and a global move higher in interest rates. He emphasizes that inflation expectations remain relatively well-behaved, suggesting the rise in yields is less about fears of runaway inflation and more about uncertainty, government borrowing needs, and a "higher for longer" interest rate environment. 

Liz Ann discusses how higher y...

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin begin this episode by analyzing the powerful role earnings are playing in driving the U.S. stock market higher and what that means for investors. Liz Ann highlights that S&P 500 earnings growth is tracking around 51% for the second quarter, an unusually strong pace outside of a post-recession recovery. Collin explains why Schwab expects a "higher-for-longer" rate environment, with short- and longer-term Treasury yields likely remaining elevated as the economy stays resilient and inflation remains above the Fed's target.

Then Collin sits down with former Federal Reserve Vice Chair Dr. Richard...

With Liz Ann Sonders away, Collin Martin is joined by Schwab Head of Macro Research and Strategy Kevin Gordon for an in-depth conversation on the economy, Federal Reserve policy, bond yields, equities, and global markets.

The episode opens with the idea that "good news can be bad news" for markets. Kevin explains that strong economic data, particularly in the labor market, can sometimes hurt stocks because it increases the likelihood of tighter monetary policy. The conversation then turns to interest rates and the surprising resilience of markets despite elevated bond yields. Collin and Kevin discuss the Fed's...

This week, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss one of the market's biggest themes, AI, and why the enormous capex spending on AI reinforces the importance of portfolio rebalancing. Liz Ann explains how AI-related companies now make up a significant share of major stock indexes and explores the risks that come with growing concentration in a handful of large-cap names. Rather than trying to predict which AI winners will emerge next, she highlights rebalancing as a disciplined way to trim outperformers, add to lagging areas, and maintain diversification. The conversation also touches on opportunities beyond the largest technology...

A better-than-expected June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report offered some welcome relief for investors concerned about persistent inflation pressures. But while the headline numbers came in below expectations, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin explain why underlying inflation trends, including higher oil prices, rising costs tied to AI-related investment, and components that feed into the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, suggest the inflation story is far from over.

They also discuss why macroeconomic factors such as inflation, monetary policy, and labor-market conditions remain essential inputs for portfolio decisions, even when investors are looking for more specific investment guidance...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss what may be one of the most important long-term shifts facing investors: the end of the "Great Moderation" Era, the roughly 25-year period characterized by globalization, low inflation, relatively stable economic growth, and favorable conditions for both stocks and bonds. Liz Ann argues that investors may be entering a more "Temperamental" Era marked by greater inflation volatility, shifting supply chains, geopolitical disruptions, and a different relationship between bond yields and stock prices. 

The conversation explores how globalization, abundant labor, cheap goods, and plentiful energy helped suppress inflation f...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders sits down with Keith McCullough, founder of Hedgeye, to revisit his “quads” framework—a model that categorizes market environments based on the direction of economic growth and inflation. McCullough emphasizes process over prediction, arguing that investors should focus on the momentum of these variables to adapt to rapidly shifting market conditions.

The conversation explores a volatile macro backdrop marked by geopolitical shocks, leadership changes at the Fed, and evolving market structure. McCullough explains how increased instability has accelerated market cycles, requiring a more nimble, data-driven approach. He outlines his view that inflati...

At his first Fed meeting as chair, Kevin Warsh signaled a more hawkish stance focused squarely on inflation, while launching a sweeping reform agenda. 

Policymakers are split between holding and potentially hiking, with strong emphasis on restoring price stability. Warsh introduced a significant shift in Fed governance and communication: shorter statements, less forward guidance, and five task forces aimed at rethinking policy frameworks.

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin explore the implications of that shift, particularly the risk that reduced transparency could lead to greater market volatility as investors react more sharply to incoming data. T...

In this episode, Collin Martin and Liz Ann Sonders focus on the outlook for equities, fixed income, and the overall U.S. economy in the second half of 2026. They begin by discussing recent inflation data, noting that while CPI remains elevated, core inflation came in slightly better than expected.

Both agree inflation is not quickly returning to the Fed's target, but easing expectations and stable inflation expectations suggest the Federal Reserve can remain patient for now. The key risk is whether higher prices, especially at the pump, begin to erode consumer spending, as real wages have turned...

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss the recent wave of IPO hype and the surge in investor interest driven by high-profile listings and large valuation headlines. They explain why headline market caps can be misleading, emphasizing the importance of float-adjusted valuations and how much stock is actually available to public investors. Despite attention-grabbing figures, the impact of these IPOs on major indexes like the S&P 500® may be smaller than many assume.

Liz Ann and Collin discuss how potential changes to index inclusion rules, including shorter eligibility timelines and flexibility around profitability requirements, could alter how q...

Markets may be entering a fundamentally different era. In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin explore why long-term bond yields remain elevated, how rising uncertainty is driving a higher term premium, and what a potential shift away from the “Great Moderation” could mean for investors.

They discuss how inflation volatility, reduced likelihood of Fed asset purchases, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping expectations for interest rates and economic stability. The conversation also examines changing correlations between stocks and bonds, and whether equities are underpricing risks.

Then, Liz Ann is joined by RSM Chief Economist Joe...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin explore how rising Treasury yields and persistent inflation pressures are reshaping the relationship between stocks and bonds, reviving a more volatile, “temperamental” market regime where higher yields can weigh on equities. They discuss the likelihood of a “higher for longer” rate environment, the challenges facing incoming Fed leadership, and why rate cuts appear increasingly unlikely in the near term.

The conversation then shifts to municipal bonds with Cooper Howard, who explains how munis work, why their tax advantages make them especially attractive for higher-income investors, and how to evaluate...

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss hotter-than-expected inflation data, with volatile energy prices playing a central role. Because the Fed can’t directly influence oil prices, inflation staying above target likely keeps policy on hold, with rate cuts off the table for now and even the possibility of hikes if core inflation or labor strength accelerates.

They also explore how consumers feel inflation differently than economists measure it, contributing to weak sentiment despite still-positive economic growth. Real incomes are slipping, but spending remains supported, helped in part by strong AI-driven business investment.

Then, Liz An...

Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin examine the market backdrop shaped by the Middle East conflict, noting that while oil price volatility has influenced inflation expectations and Treasury yields, its broader economic impact has been limited so far due to lag effects and structural shifts in the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, investor attention has returned to earnings season and AI-driven growth, with a narrow group of mega-cap companies responsible for a disproportionate share of earnings upgrades—highlighting ongoing concentration risks in both markets and fundamentals.

Then, Collin Martin is joined by Inga Rachwald, director and senior investment por...

The Federal Reserve faces a pivotal moment: the transition from Jerome Powell as Fed chair to Kevin Warsh, with Powell opting to remain at the Fed as a governor. Collin Martin and Liz Ann Sonders discuss what Warsh’s confirmation signals for future Fed policy, noting his interest in reshaping how the Fed communicates with markets—potentially scaling back press conferences, reducing the emphasis on dot plots and projections, and encouraging less frequent public commentary from Fed officials. 

Then, Collin Martin is joined by Winnie Cisar, global head of strategy at CreditSights. She provides an in‑depth look at...

In this episode, Schwab’s Chief Investment Strategist Liz Ann Sonders and Head of Fixed Income Research and Strategy Collin Martin reflect on the questions they’re hearing most from investors—dominated by geopolitical risks, rising oil prices, inflation, and growing anxiety about U.S. debt and deficits. They explain why concerns about a “tipping point” for Treasuries or the dollar have not shown up in historical data—and why demand for Treasuries remains resilient even as issuance grows.

The conversation turns to the Federal Reserve, including what to watch in upcoming congressional hearings for Kevin Warsh and how infl...

Earnings season kicks off with a mixed but generally constructive signal for markets, as Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin examine what corporate profits reveal about macroeconomic and market health. While equity investors tend to focus on near‑term earnings growth, Collin emphasizes that bond markets care more about long‑term cash flows and companies' ability to service debt. Aggregate corporate profits remain strong when viewed through broad measures like NIPA profits (National Income and Product Accounts), supporting investment, employment, and overall financial stability, even as borrowing costs drift higher due mainly to rising Treasury yields rather than widening cred...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss recent market volatility, highlighting a sharp equity rally following news of a temporary ceasefire abroad. Liz Ann cautions that the dramatic, short‑term swings across asset classes reflect an increasingly “casino‑like” mentality in markets, where trading and speculation often blur with long‑term investing. 

Turning to fixed income, Collin reviews heightened volatility in Treasury yields and shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy. While markets have begun to price in the possibility of a rate cut later this year, Collin notes that Schwab’s outlook remains largely unchanged: Th...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin focus on the market and economic ripple effects stemming from the war in Iran—particularly through energy markets, inflation, interest rates, and investor sentiment.

Liz Ann and Collin begin by addressing a common misconception: that the U.S. being a net exporter of oil insulates the domestic economy from geopolitical energy shocks. Liz Ann explains that oil is priced globally, meaning higher global prices still feed directly into U.S. energy costs, inflation, and market volatility. 

Collin then turns to the bond market, explaining that while Tre...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss the state of heightened market volatility driven by geopolitical risk in Iran. Elevated oil prices have introduced an “asymmetric” risk environment, where traders perceive more downside than upside in crude prices if the conflict de-escalates, contributing to sharp and rapid market swings. 

Collin highlights that bond markets, often considered the “boring” part of portfolios, have been anything but. Treasury yields have whipsawed dramatically in recent weeks, underscoring the importance of understanding duration risk. He explains how rising yields translate into price declines, particularly for longer-duration bonds, which can surpr...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders welcomes Collin Martin as her new co‑host. Collin outlines his role as Schwab’s head of fixed income research and strategy, highlighting his broad coverage of the bond market—from Treasuries and Fed policy to corporate credit, municipals, mortgages, and global bonds. 

The conversation then turns to markets and geopolitics, focusing on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its market impact. Liz Ann explains that while major equity indexes have appeared relatively resilient, this masks significant volatility beneath the surface. She notes sharp rotations across sectors, wide drawdowns among individual stocks...

This episode marks Kathy Jones' farewell as co-host of On Investing. Collin Martin, Schwab's head of fixed income research, takes over as co-host starting on March 20.

As Kathy prepares for retirement after a decades-long career in finance, she reflects back on some of the most important lessons she learned throughout her career. She recounts how she started out as a runner at the Chicago Board of Trade before moving into research. Some of her core investing lessons from 50 years in markets include: The trend is your friend, don't marry your investments, and understand risk management. 

T...

In this episode, Kathy Jones announces that she will be retiring soon and that Collin Martin, Schwab’s Head of Fixed Income Research, will take over as co-host of On Investing. Liz Ann and Kathy also discuss the latest bout of volatility caused by future concerns around AI. 

Then, Kathy is joined by Claudia Sahm, former economist for the Federal Reserve, former economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisors, and now chief economist for New Century Advisors. Kathy and Claudia discuss the path forward for the Federal Reserve, in terms of setting policy. They cover the...

What's the state of the economy now? How much of the latest GDP growth is driven by capex? In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the release of the latest Fed minutes, mixed signals on inflation and unemployment, and weakness in the survey data itself. 

Then, Liz Ann and Kathy are joined by Kevin Gordon, Schwab's head of macro research and strategy. Kevin shares his perspective on the overall backdrop in the context of the latest GDP report from the fourth quarter and the impact of tariffs. He and Liz Ann also discuss the va...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones cover the latest jobs report and downward revisions to previous data. They also look at the employment numbers for implications on Fed policy and the overall economy. Then, Liz Ann and Kathy discuss recent AI-related headlines that caused some disruption in the financial sector. Liz Ann frames AI adoption in three phases: create, catalyze, and cascade. Finally, they discuss several prudent investment approaches focused on factors and characteristics and look ahead to key upcoming data in the coming weeks and days.

On Investing is an original podcast from C...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the market’s reaction to Kevin Warsh’s nomination for Fed Chair, the potential rationale for lowering interest rates, and the drivers behind recent volatility in precious metals, while highlighting a broadening in market leadership thanks to more widespread earnings strength.

Then, Liz Ann is joined by Dennis DeBusschere, President and chief market strategist of 22V Research. They discuss the implications of the declining dollar, the impact of AI on productivity, factor-based investing trends, monetary policy, some potential risks and opportunities in the market, and much more. 

O...

First, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the current state of the markets, focusing on the recent Federal Reserve meeting, the reaction of the bond market, and insights from the ongoing earnings season. 

Then, Kathy Jones is joined by Jack Schwager, author of the bestselling book Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders. Jack then discusses a few of the most important lessons he has learned from interviewing elite traders: risk and money management outweigh methodology; flexibility is essential; and understanding how markets have evolved. He and Kathy also discuss the rarity of exceptional performance and the cl...

In this conversation, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the current state of the markets, focusing on the implications of tariffs, global economic influences, and the dynamics of the bond market. They explore evergreen strategies for navigating market volatility, emphasizing the importance of disciplined investment approaches. The discussion also touches on inflation expectations, the Federal Reserve's policies, and insights into the potential risks and opportunities for investors.

You can read Kathy and Collin's article about the fixed income markets here: "The Bond Market in 2026: What Could Go Wrong?"

On Investing is an original podcast f...

This week, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the current state of the Federal Reserve, the bond and equity markets, the challenges facing the housing market, and the ongoing issues with inflation. They explore the implications of a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, the stability of the bond market amidst political pressures, and the somewhat mixed signals from the equity market. Their discussion also highlights the affordability crisis in the housing market and the Fed's struggle to meet its inflation targets, concluding with a look ahead at upcoming economic data.

On Investing is an...

In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the current state of the markets, focusing on the impact of global events, particularly military actions in Venezuela and how that might affect oil prices and the US economy. They delve into the bond market's response, the influence of retail traders, and the ongoing challenges in the US labor market. The discussion also covers the complexities of Venezuela's potential debt restructuring, the current implications of tariffs on the economy, and the importance of Fed policy and upcoming economic indicators.

On Investing is an original podcast from Charles S...