Before the Rate Cut, Our View of the Markets

In this episode, Kathy and Liz Ann follow up on the release of last week's unemployment numbers and the reaction of the stock market to the jobs report. The expectation is still for a 25-basis-point cut at next week's Fed meeting. The conversation also touches on the un-inversion of the yield curve and its implications for the bond market. This week, Kevin Gordon joins the podcast to discuss equities and sector views. Kevin is a director and senior investment strategist and serves as Liz Ann Sonders' research associate. Kevin and Liz Ann discuss the recent changes in Schwab's sector ratings and the focus on factors rather than sectors. They also talk about the leadership shifts in the market, particularly in the Magnificent Seven stocks. They touch on the importance of diversification and the performance of different sectors. They then delve into the upcoming Fed rate cuts and the historical market behavior during fast-cutting cycles versus slow-cutting cycles. Lastly, Kathy and Liz Ann look ahead to next week's FOMC meeting and the other economic data on the horizon. Key economic data to watch for next week includes retail sales, industrial production, housing market indicators, and the Leading Economic Index.You can keep up with Schwab Sector Views here and also read the report that Kevin and Liz Ann discuss here: "It's Time … For a Fed Pivot."On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting.If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important DisclosuresThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.  All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.  Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.  All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.  Commodity-related products carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Commodity-related products may be extremely volatile, may be illiquid, and can be significantly affected by underlying commodity prices, world events, import controls, worldwide competition, government regulations, and economic conditions.Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions.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.The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) is designed to gauge and track the pulse of the single-family housing market. https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/indices/housing-market-index(0924-SFF0)