Core Viewpoint - U.S. stock futures opened sharply lower due to geopolitical tensions following the strikes in the Middle East, particularly the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, which has disrupted global energy supply chains and raised concerns about a broader conflict [1][2]. Market Reactions - Analysts expect a broader market reaction to the recent attacks compared to previous geopolitical events, primarily due to the immediate disruption of energy supplies and the potential for conflict escalation [2]. - Stocks were already under pressure from concerns over AI disruptions and issues in private credit markets, indicating a pre-existing vulnerability in the market [3]. Trading Expectations - Investors are anticipated to sell stocks and buy bonds, a trend that had already begun prior to the strikes, with the S&P 500 falling 0.4% on the preceding Friday and U.S. 10-year note yields decreasing by five basis points [4]. - U.S. stock index futures were reported down about 1% each on Sunday, indicating a negative market sentiment [6]. Currency and Commodity Insights - Global investors may shift towards the U.S. dollar, potentially increasing its value after a recent period of selling, while the S&P 500 remains relatively unchanged compared to other global markets [7]. - Analysts predict oil prices could rise to at least $90 per barrel, with Brent crude trading around $80 per barrel at the time of reporting. Gold is expected to be a significant beneficiary of the conflict, with potential surges of up to $200 per ounce [8].

When you get as many things going wrong as there are right now, you do not think about opportunity; you think about safety. I get that. We have the most uncertain of times in the Mideast after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran this weekend. We have a man-made inflationary event — the closing of the world's chief oil artery, the Strait of Hormuz. The skyrocketing of oil prices will make it so the Federal Reserve can't help us, even under President Donald Trump 's soon-to-be Fed chairman, Kevin Warsh. We are ...

Core Viewpoint - Gold has outperformed the S&P 500 Index for seven consecutive months, marking the longest streak since February 2008, a period just before the global financial crisis escalated [1][9]. Group 1: Historical Context - In early 2008, the financial crisis was not fully recognized, with Lehman Brothers' collapse occurring later that year and equity markets still reflecting a sense of stability [2][6]. - The narrative at that time was focused on a "housing problem," with investors believing that the issues were isolated to subprime mortgages and that major banks were adequately capitalized [6][8]. - Gold's performance in early 2008 indicated underlying market stress that was not yet apparent to most investors [4][11]. Group 2: Current Market Analysis - The current market environment lacks visible signs of a housing crash or banking panic, yet gold is again outperforming equities similarly to 2008 [9][11]. - This raises questions about what the market may be hedging against, as gold has historically recognized fragility before broader narratives catch up [11][12]. - The software sector may represent a potential fault line in 2026, drawing parallels to past market conditions where significant downturns were preceded by unnoticed vulnerabilities [14].

(Bloomberg) — For years, retail investors were crypto’s most reliable fuel — the dip-buyers, the memecoin speculators, the momentum traders that powered every rally. Now they’re moving on, stalling the demand engine that digital assets have depended on for a decade. Speculative demand that once concentrated in crypto is being sucked into stocks, according to a new report from market-maker Wintermute that draws on JPMorgan Chase & Co. data. Since late 2024, retail has been steadily shifting toward equities ...

Could taking time out of the workforce to become a caregiver destroy someone’s chances at a comfortable retirement?​ For Susan Freeman, 72, the answer is yes. Although Freeman doesn’t regret her decision to care for her mom, it destroyed her hope of financial independence (1). Must Read Before helping her mother full-time, Susan Freeman worked for various industries like banking, insurance, and food services (including a pizzeria she owned). ​As her mother’s needs increased after a stroke, Freeman had t ...

Anxiety over the looming military action had started to filter into markets on Friday. Brent crude closed at the highest price since July, while the S&P 500 lost 0.4% on the day, capping its biggest monthly loss since March.Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index opened almost 5% lower before paring most of that decline in Sunday trading. Meanwhile, Bitcoin recovered and was trading around $68,000. Put options on the cryptocurrency worth $1.87 billion were concentrated at the $60,000 level on Deribit, signal ...

Market Reactions - Traders are adopting a "haven first, ask questions later" strategy due to heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iranian retaliation, which has exceeded market expectations [1][18] - Treasuries and gold have gained as safe-haven assets, while stocks have slumped, indicating a flight to quality among investors [2][18] - The S&P 500 experienced a 0.4% loss, marking its largest monthly decline since March, while Brent crude oil prices reached their highest since July [7][18] Energy Market Focus - The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, is under close observation, with about 25% of the world's seaborne oil passing through it [2][18] - Concerns over potential disruptions in this region could lead to oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel, impacting inflation expectations and growth forecasts [11][19] Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to be cautious about buying dips, as the current geopolitical situation may lead to prolonged market volatility [8][19] - Defensive sectors such as energy stocks, metals, real estate, and utilities are expected to perform better, while consumer discretionary stocks may suffer due to rising oil prices [15][19] Economic Implications - A prolonged conflict could lead to stagflation-like conditions, affecting emerging markets that are net oil importers and increasing their current account deficits [19] - The potential for an oil shock raises concerns about inflation and monetary policy, complicating the Federal Reserve's ability to manage interest rates effectively [18][19]

Group 1 - The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) received a Buy rating from Truist Financial and Barclays, with a price target of $126 from Barclays [1][2] - In January 2026, Charles Schwab reported core net new assets of $27.8 billion and total client assets of $12.15 trillion, reflecting an 18% year-over-year increase [2] - The company added 476,000 new brokerage accounts in January, with a daily average trade volume of 9.5 million [2] Group 2 - As of February 24, 2026, Charles Schwab is rated a consensus Buy by 18 of 22 analysts, with a 1-year median upside potential of 31.54% [3] - Founded in 1971, Charles Schwab provides a comprehensive suite of wealth management, banking, and asset management services [3]

"Directly held" means the asset is not in a retirement account. The value of bonds in this table looks much higher than the other categories, especially given that only a tiny fraction of 55-64-year-olds owns directly held corporate or municipal bonds. This small group either holds numerous bonds, bonds with high values, or both. Also, survey respondents self-report values, and could have reported face values of bonds that they found on account statements, rather than market values, which may have been lowe ...

Many Wall Street banks, top economists and even AI CEOs consider this all to still be overblown hype, cautioning that macroeconomics 101 implies the Citrini narrative is false. Others stake out a middle ground, predicting an AI transition that will be difficult but ultimately positive. But the Block layoffs suggest that, at least in the tech sector, the AI scare is moving from market narrative to sudden reality. And America isn’t prepared.“This is one of the first major examples of AI driving layoffs, but c ...