The last several weeks have seen unusual market volatility, not just in the stock market but in the bond market as well. Fixed income investors have been struggling to make sense of the on-again, off-again tariff policy and its impact on the U.S. economy. In this episode, host Mike Townsend welcomes Collin Martin, director and fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, for a robust discussion about how tariffs are impacting the bond market, companies, the economy, and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. Collin shares his perspective on where the Fed might be headed and whether the president’s threats to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell are undermining its independence. They also discuss the dollar and whether its position as the world’s reserve currency is in jeopardy. And Collin offers his thoughts on where fixed income investors can find opportunities in this uncertain environment.
In addition, Mike provides updates from Washington on the ongoing negotiations around the massive budget bill of tax and spending cuts and the president’s recent proposal for government funding for the coming fiscal year, and he reflects on the 50th anniversary of a regulatory decision that paved the way for the accessible markets that investors enjoy today.
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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.
Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.
Tax-exempt bonds are not necessarily a suitable investment for all persons. Information related to a security’s tax-exempt status (federal and in-state) is obtained from third parties, and ＜ Name of Legal Entity, for e.g., Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., dba Schwab Asset Management＞ does not guarantee its accuracy. Tax-exempt income may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Capital appreciation from bond funds and discounted bonds may be subject to state or local taxes. Capital gains are not exempt from federal income tax.
Preferred securities are a type of hybrid investment that share characteristics of both stock and bonds. They are often callable, meaning the issuing company may redeem the security at a certain price after a certain date. Such call features, and the timing of a call, may affect the security’s yield. Preferred securities generally have lower credit ratings and a lower claim to assets than the issuer’s individual bonds. Like bonds, prices of preferred securities tend to move inversely with interest rates, so their prices may fall during periods of rising interest rates. Investment value will fluctuate, and preferred securities, when sold before maturity, may be worth more or less than original cost. Preferred securities are subject to various other risks including changes in interest rates and credit quality, default risks, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, deferral risk, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors.
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