WashingtonWise
106 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 230 ratingsOur finances, portfolios and the markets are affected daily by the policies and politics coming out of Washington. In each episode of WashingtonWise, host Mike Townsend, Charles Schwab’s Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, focuses a non-partisan eye on the stories that matter most to investors, and his guests offer actionable suggestions for what to do--and what not to do--with your portfolio.
Podcasts are for informational purposes only. This channel is not monitored by Charles Schwab. Please visit schwab.com/contactus for contact options.
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Episodes
Will Rising Interest Rates Tame Inflation?
January 20, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBNo one is happy with the recent inflation run-up, least of all the Federal Reserve, whose mandate includes keeping inflation at a manageable pace. For this fight, one of the main arrows in the Fed’s quiver is to raise interest rates in hopes of curtailing spending and bringing prices back in line¬. But how much will it take, and how painful will that be for the economy? Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, joins Mike Townsend to consider how far the rate hikes will go, what t...
Three Unresolved Issues Congress Must Address
December 09, 2021 04:30 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this year-end episode of WashingtonWise, Mike Townsend takes a hard look at three big issues facing Congress and the president: raising the debt ceiling to keep the U.S. from defaulting on its debts, decisions on the Build Back Better Act with far-reaching implications for climate change and the social safety net, and major changes ahead for the makeup of the Federal Reserve that could impact the direction of the economy for years to come. WashingtonWise Investor is an original podcast f...
Can Your Portfolio Make an Impact and a Profit?
November 11, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBThose looking to invest in companies whose values align with theirs when it comes to environmental, social, and governance factors, known as ESG, are working toward a dual bottom line: They are seeking positive results for the causes they support and positive returns for their portfolios. Michael Iachini, managing director and head of manager research at the Charles Schwab Investment Advisory, joins Mike Townsend to discuss the state of ESG investing, whether investors can make a profit whil...
Reading the Signs of Change and Finding Opportunity
October 28, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend continues his discussion with Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab’s chief investment strategist. They dive into the myriad changes currently buffeting the economy, including reductions in the labor market, bottlenecks in the supply chain, evolving views on work/life balance, and new policies coming out of Washington. Liz Ann shares her perspective on what it all means for the markets, where investors might find opportunities, and what investors s...
Anxious Markets Eye Speed Bumps Ahead
October 14, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBWhile the markets continue to keep a wary eye on the slowly unfolding dramas in Washington, there is plenty more threatening to roil the markets in the fourth quarter and beyond. Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab’s chief investment strategist, joins the podcast for the first of a two-part conversation with host Mike Townsend to break it all down. They discuss how the market is reacting to the ongoing debates in Washington, including the decision to put off the debt ceiling fight until December, as wel...
Can D.C. Chaos Halt the Bull Market?
September 30, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBAs Congress continues to struggle with a quartet of complex policy issues, it’s no exaggeration to say that the bull market and the economy are at risk. On this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Randy Frederick, Schwab’s managing director of trading and derivatives, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss how the market might react, how investors could prepare for potential market disruptions, and how there might be opportunities for investors even as the risks to the market grow. They also ta...
Big Issues, Tight Deadlines May Rattle the Markets
September 16, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBAfter a long stretch of inaction, things are busy in Washington as deadlines approach for funding the government for the next fiscal year and raising the debt ceiling. Mike Townsend dives into each of the issues and considers the likelihood of either a government shutdown or worse—the U.S. defaulting on its debts should Congress fail to act. He also looks at the two key spending issues that Congress is facing, the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Democrats’ framework for a $3.5 trill...
Confusing Economic Signals: What’s Going On?
July 29, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBOn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, joins Mike Townsend to decipher the economy’s mixed signals. While the S&P is up around 17% for the year, many investors can’t help being concerned about slow job growth, the quick rise of inflation, and what repercussions the surge of the Delta variant may have. Kathy and Mike discuss what investors should be watching for. Mike also looks into the daunting task before Congress as lawmakers stru...
Confusing Economic Signals: What’s Going on?
July 29, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBOn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, joins Mike Townsend to decipher the economy’s mixed signals. While the S&P is up around 17% for the year, many investors can’t help being concerned about slow job growth, the quick rise of inflation, and what repercussions the surge of the Delta variant may have. Kathy and Mike discuss what investors should be watching for. Mike also looks into the daunting task before Congress as lawmakers stru...
Debt Ceiling Disruption: Volatility Ahead?
July 15, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThe two-year suspension of the debt ceiling expires on July 31. To avoid the U.S. defaulting on its debts, Congress must act to either extend the suspension or raise the debt limit. Mike Townsend looks at the history of the debt ceiling, the challenges Congress faces in addressing it, and why procrastination could spark market volatility in the weeks ahead. Mike also offers an update on the Senate’s two-pronged approach to infrastructure and other spending priorities and the aggressive time...
On Your Mind: Investors’ Top Mid-Year Questions
July 01, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBInvestors can’t shake their concerns about major issues that Congress continues to wrestle with—especially when it comes to the volatility they can bring to the markets. In this episode of WashingtonWise Investor Mike Townsend offers updates on questions that continue to plague investors, including the slow progress of an infrastructure bill, what’s happening with proposed new taxes and whom they would hit hardest, why the massive deficits and debt are still growing, the outlook for action o...
Putting Inflation in Perspective
June 17, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBOn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike and Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab’s chief investment strategist, dig into where we are with inflation, including the root causes of the current spike in prices, where things are starting to ease, and what may lie ahead. They focus on the potential impact of job and wage growth on the economy and inflation as small businesses begin to reopen, bonus unemployment insurance ends, and more women return to the workforce. And they also look for areas of op...
Global Investing During Economic Expansion
June 03, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBUntil recently, the administration’s approach to foreign policy has been low key, but now President Biden is headed out on his first international trip—attending the G7 summit and a NATO meeting. Jeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss the president’s efforts to build multilateral support for a global minimum tax and combat climate change. They also share insights on the global economic expansion, progress with China on intellectual pro...
What Does a Busy SEC Agenda Mean for Investors?
May 20, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBThe new SEC Chair, Gary Gensler, is known for getting things done. But he is faced with an ambitious agenda, including protecting small investors who are increasingly trading through apps on their phones, regulating the exploding cryptocurrency world, encouraging corporate transparency as socially responsible investing grows in popularity, and overseeing the proliferation of SPACs. Host Mike Townsend explores whether Gensler can strike the proper balance to ensure a safe environment for indi...
New Tax Proposals: Can They Get Through Congress?
May 06, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBThe administration’s new tax proposals cover a lot of ground, but it’s up to Congress to turn the proposals into actual legislation. There is zero guarantee that they will make it into a bill at all, and if they do, the proposals are likely to look a lot different. Hayden Adams, director of tax and financial planning at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins Mike to look at what’s driving the proposals and what elements are up for debate—and to address investors’ concerns about thei...
7 Questions at the Top of Investors’ Minds
April 22, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBWhen it comes to what’s going on in D.C., investors have a lot on their minds. In this episode of WashingtonWise Investor,Mike Townsend addresses seven of the top questions he most frequently hears from investors these days. He offers deep insights on China, the outlook for a bipartisan approach to an infrastructure bill, inflation concerns, Congress’s attitude toward the growing debt and deficit, the future for cryptocurrency, and the possibility of ending the filibuster. WashingtonWise I...
Key Market Drivers to Watch in Q2
April 08, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Randy Frederick, Schwab’s vice president for trading and derivatives, joins host Mike Townsend to reflect on a stellar market that broke trading volume records in Q1 and offer insight on the key issues for investors to watch in Q2. They discuss whether the forward momentum is likely to continue or if the market is headed for a pullback, as well as the outlook for the new infrastructure plan, whether the retail trading frenzy around “meme stocks” is...
Inflation Fears: Real or Overhyped?
March 25, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWiseInvestor, Mike Townsend is joined by Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, to look into what’s driving up long-term interest rates, the Fed’s outlook on inflation and economic growth, and the impact rising bond yields are having on the equites market. Additionally, Kathy shares her insights on the improving opportunities with municipal bonds. Mike also considers how Washington is catching its breath and considering what’s next now that the mas...
Trend Spotting: What Investors Need to Watch
March 11, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBThe pandemic is accelerating political, economic, and cultural changes, but where are we headed? Bruce Mehlman, a political consultant and futurist, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss what history can tell us about the trends that will shape the post-COVID landscape for policymakers and for investors. Bruce explains what a pivot to a “resilience economy” may mean for infrastructure growth opportunities, why a lack of trust in institutions may be the biggest challenge facing the new presiden...
Global Issues May Loom Large for Investors
February 25, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBWhile it feels like domestic priorities have been in the spotlight for months, global concerns can’t be dismissed. Jeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, joins host Mike Townsend to discuss international activity with implications for U.S. markets. From U.S.-China relations to the outlook for President Biden’s relationship with allies across Europe to prospects for emerging markets in 2021, Jeff helps shine a light on where the potential opportunities are for investors. ...
Will the Markets Get What They Want From Washington?
February 11, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBMinus the daily tweets that drove the news cycle for four years, Washington has settled into a different rhythm. In this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend is joined by Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab’s chief investment strategist, to consider what’s driving the markets and what it will take to meet expectations. They also discuss what investors have learned from recent hyper-speculative trading, the impact on the markets should corporate tax rates rise, and how the building and burst...
Key Biden Picks Who Could Move the Markets
January 28, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend looks at President Biden’s picks for five administration posts and offers insights on how their decisions could impact the markets and your finances. He also discusses the mechanics of how a 50-50 Senate will work, examines the effort to balance confirming Cabinet nominees with preparations for the second impeachment trial, and scours for signs of bipartisanship as lawmakers try to hammer out another COVID relief package. Finally, he ...
Dems Take Control, but No Carte Blanche for Biden
January 14, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend focuses on the new balance of power in Washington and shares insights on the mechanics of such a narrowly divided Congress. He explores issues that are likely to be at the top of Biden’s policy agenda—from more COVID relief to tax increases—and the likelihood that the necessary consensus can be built to get them approved. WashingtonWise Investor is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/Was...
Georgia’s Senate Runoff Election Carries Outsized Impact
December 10, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend takes a look at the various outcomes of the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff election, what they could mean as President-elect Joe Biden works to implement his policy agenda, and how what does—and doesn’t—get through Congress may impact the markets. Mike also provides perspective on the sudden momentum on Capitol Hill for another round of economic stimulus; explains what a new law that could result in some Chinese stocks being deliste...
Election Results & Vaccine News: The Market Reacts
November 12, 2020 11:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBAfter an unprecedented election that saw both Joe Biden and Donald Trump receive more votes for president than any other candidates in history, the focus is shifting to how much of his agenda President-elect Biden will be able to enact. In this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike talks to Schwab’s Chief Investment Strategist Liz Ann Sonders about the market reaction to the presumed and actual election results, as well as the promising news from a vaccine trial. They discuss the prospe...
Election Upon Us: How Might the Market React?
October 29, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike previews what to watch for on Election Night and discusses whether the market cares about the election outcome with Randy Frederick, Schwab’s vice president for trading and derivatives. They also explore what lessons can be learned from market reactions to previous elections, why traders are betting on volatility this November, and why investors should be wary of making big changes based on the election outcome. Mike also provides updates on ...
COVID, U.S. Politics & Beyond: The Impact on Global Markets
October 15, 2020 14:37 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike checks in withJeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, on myriad topics that could affect international markets—from COVID outbreaks to Brexit to possible outcomes of the U.S. election. Mike also considers the recent flurry of high-profile news in the capital and whether any of it is actually moving U.S. markets. He also zeroes in on one story that’s flying under the radar—the House Judiciary Committee’s 16-month anti-trust...
What a New Fed Strategy Might Mean for You
October 01, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, joins Mike Townsend to share her insights on what’s behind the Fed’s new strategy to keep interest rates near zero—possibly for years—while the economy recovers, what it means for inflation risk, and why this change is so important to fixed income investors. They also look at what else the Fed can do to respond to the coronavirus crisis, why Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is so vocal in calling on Co...
Can You Invest Confidently Amid Uncertainty?
September 17, 2020 10:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend is joined by Brad Bartick—vice president and branch manager of the downtown Denver Schwab branch—to discuss investing in a market that is riding high while the economy, jobs, the election, and the pandemic are all still big causes for concern. They focus on overcoming the behavioral consequences that biases can have on investing in such unprecedented times. Mike also discusses what’s holding up Congressional negotiations on the next ...
More Aid Coming—But How Much and Who Gets It?
July 23, 2020 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend considers the tough decisions facing Congress as lawmakers struggle to balance the need for aid to states and municipalities, small businesses, and individuals. He also looks at promising results in trials on coronavirus vaccines, the upcoming vote on two nominees for vacancies at the Fed, and the appropriations bills that must be approved to keep the federal government running. Turning to the election, Mike offers updates on the ba...
Voting in the Time of COVID
July 09, 2020 15:27 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike is joined by Amy Walter, national editor of The Cook Political Report, to discuss how the pandemic is impacting the 2020 election, from socially distanced campaigns to the tremendous efforts by states to institute voting by mail and keep polling places open where possible. They also consider the security of voting by mail, what it could mean for voter turnout, and the big changes to reporting on results—including the possibility that we won’t ...
Markets and Economy Out of Sync: Does It Matter?
June 25, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend is joined by Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab’s chief investment strategist, to discuss today’s gaping divide between the markets and the economy. They also share what data investors should be watching and why, provide an overview of which sectors may perform better than others, and consider the implications of a growing number of big-name bankruptcies. Mike also examines the latest developments in Washington, including the possibility of com...
U.S.-China Tensions Grow: Are Markets Concerned?
June 11, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Jeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, joins Mike to discuss the heightening tensions between the U.S. and China and what it may all mean for the markets. They discuss long-brewing concerns such as the potential delisting of Chinese companies from the U.S. exchanges and China’s purchase of U.S. debt, as well as more recent issues, including China’s security crackdown on Hong Kong and growing tensions between China and Taiwan. ...
US-China Tensions Grow: Are Markets Concerned?
June 11, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Jeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, joins Mike to discuss the heightening tensions between the U.S. and China and what it may all mean for the markets. They discuss long-brewing concerns such as the potential delisting of Chinese companies from the U.S. exchanges and China’s purchase of U.S. debt, as well as more recent issues, including China’s security crackdown on Hong Kong and growing tensions between China and Taiwan. ...
HEROES Act DOA in Senate: Compromise Coming?
May 28, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBIn this week’s WashingtonWise Investor, Mike delves into the HEROES Act, the $3 trillion, “phase four” package of emergency spending proposals passed by the House of Representatives. Republicans in the Senate want a smaller package and favor including programs that protect businesses from litigation. With senators on both sides voicing the need for getting more relief soon, watch for some serious compromises to be struck in order to get the next round out the door. Mike also looks at the pu...
Can Munis Thrive If States Are Struggling?
May 14, 2020 23:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend is joined by Cooper Howard, director of fixed income strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to discuss the ability of states to withstand the deep economic losses caused by skyrocketing expenses and slumping revenues. They delve into the levers states can pull in order to still meet their municipal debt obligations—from raising taxes to tapping rainy day funds. And they explore the rationale for when holding muni bonds ...
Complications Loom as Senate Heads Back to Work
April 30, 2020 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend looks at the complexities of Congress getting back to work—from the basic logistics of senators and staff safely gathering to the actual voting, debating, and all-important committee meetings. He then considers the unique policy and political dynamics facing lawmakers as they tackle the drafting and passing of another round of coronavirus aid and the key components that will be at the center of the debate. Mike also checks in on the ...
Backstops & Stimulus: How Much Will It Take?
April 23, 2020 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, joins Mike Townsend to discuss the Fed’s extensive efforts to counter the impact of the coronavirus on the economy. They breakdown the dizzying array of far-reaching programs—from the tried-and-true to more controversial tactics—and help individual investors focus on what really matters for them. Mike also shares insights into what Congress is doing to enhance the CARES Act and what to expect as...
The Road to Recovery for Small Business
April 16, 2020 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend is joined by Marianne Hayes, senior strategist in Schwab’s Wealth Strategy group, to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on small businesses and the 120 million people they employ. Mike and Marianne dive into the government’s efforts to support small businesses during the closures and consider how well they are working, as well as what the small-business segment of the economy may look like in the future. Mike also covers the next ...
Making Smart Choices in a Down Market
April 09, 2020 15:15 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Annie Liu, Schwab regional branch executive in Bellevue, Washington, joins Mike Townsend to address some of the most pressing concerns that clients have—including buying bonds when yields are so low, tilting your portfolio to be more defensive, and taking advantage of special provisions in the CARES Act. Mike also shares his insights on what’s likely coming in the next stimulus bills for individuals and small businesses, as well as the continued d...
Amidst a Pandemic, What’s the Prognosis for Global Economies?
April 02, 2020 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike is joined by Jeff Kleintop, Schwab’s chief global investment strategist, to discuss the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on economies and markets around the globe. They also look at how central banks, especially the U.S. Fed, are working to get their economies back on track, what we can learn from countries that are beginning to come through the crisis, and how emerging markets may lead the way as the world recovers from this recess...
Massive Stimulus Plus Unprecedented Easing Are Latest Efforts to Boost Economy
March 26, 2020 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Liz Ann Sonders—Schwab’s chief investment strategist—joins Mike Townsend to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting the U.S. economy and the government’s latest response. They dive into the how and why of both the unprecedented stimulus package from Congress and the Fed’s ambitious actions to keep financial markets operating. Mike also covers two key provisions of the stimulus plan that are of particular interest to investors and outlin...
Fed and Congress Go Big: Will It Help the Markets?
March 19, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike is joined by Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, to discuss the Fed’s strong response to the impact of the coronavirus on the markets and the economy as a whole. They assess the various steps the Fed has taken—from dropping interest rates to a planned purchase of billions in Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities to providing businesses with short-term funding. And they share insights on how each are expected to work and th...
Presidential Race Narrows While Government and Markets React to Coronavirus
March 10, 2020 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend begins by examining the U.S. response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis—discussing what Congress, the Fed, and the SEC are doing to blunt the spread of the virus and its impact on businesses and investors. He then sorts out the latest developments in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination and what they may mean for the remaining primaries and caucuses. He also considers the battle for control of Congress, weighing the lik...
Bond Markets & the Beltway
February 25, 2020 11:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBOn this week’s WashingtonWise Investor, Collin Martin, managing director of fixed income strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins Mike to offer perspective on a wide range of issues facing the bond markets in 2020. They discuss the Treasury’s motivation to again offer 20-year bonds beginning this spring, and possibly ultra-long bonds in the future, and where such bonds might fit in your portfolio; how investors reaching for greater yield may be taking on increased risk; an...
Coronavirus: What Are the Markets Watching?
February 11, 2020 10:50 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBIn this week’s WashingtonWise Investor, Mike is joined by Randy Frederick, vice president for trading and derivatives at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. They reflect upon the coronavirus, assessing the breadth of disruption to the global economy from factory closings, travel bans, and shuttered businesses; the likely impact on the recent Chinese trade agreement; and how global markets are responding to ongoing revelations. They also discuss what’s different this time from past publ...
The Year Ahead: What to Watch in 2020
January 28, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike is joined by Dan Clifton, managing partner and head of the Washington office for Strategas. Mike and Dan survey the horizon heading into the new year, discussing how much Washington can accomplish in spite of the impeachment trial and a very divided Congress. They also consider the impact of recent trade agreements and what’s next for negotiations with China—including what could bring them back to the table for a phase two deal. Mike also sha...
The SECURE Act: 5 Steps to Consider Taking Now
January 14, 2020 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Dan Stein, branch manager in Bethesda, Maryland, joins Mike to talk about the SECURE Act, which was recently signed into law. They discuss the various aspects of the law, consider real-life scenarios the SECURE Act creates, and most importantly, offer clear steps to help investors of all ages navigate the changes to retirement planning. With Congress back in session, Mike also offers updates on the China trade deal, the market’s reactions to the I...
Questions From the Road: What’s Moving the Markets and Why?
December 03, 2019 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Mike Townsend answers questions he often hears from investors on his travels throughout the country. A common theme at his in-person events is the way that certain actions out of Washington predictably cause the markets to react, while others barely register. From on-again-off-again trade negotiations to budget delays and climbing national debt, Mike shares his insights on what is likely to trigger a market response and why. Mike also looks at whe...
Demystifying the Federal Reserve for Fixed Income Investors
November 19, 2019 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBIn this episode of WashingtonWise Investor, Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist, joins Mike to demystify the actions of one of Washington’s least understood agencies—the Federal Reserve. They consider a range of issues from interest rates and the yield curve to the Fed’s ability to effectively address global economic risks and its intervention in the repo market, as well as the growing federal deficit and whether negative interest rates are likely here in the U.S. Mike also ...