What a New Fed Strategy Might Mean for You

In 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 Congress to provide more fiscal stimulus, and how the fixed income market and the dollar are impacted by elections. In addition, Mike reports on how Congress averted a government shutdown, the latest on the ongoing stalemate over additional economic stimulus, and the timing and process for the confirmation of a new Supreme Court justice. He also shares thoughts on whether or not the markets care about this high-stakes presidential debate. WashingtonWise Investor is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts.    Important Disclosures: The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab a Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. The information 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, economic or geopolitical 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. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. 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 Schwab 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. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are inflation-linked securities issued by the US Government whose principal value is adjusted periodically in accordance with the rise and fall in the inflation rate. Thus, the dividend amount payable is also impacted by variations in the inflation rate, as it is based upon the principal value of the bond. It may fluctuate up or down. Repayment at maturity is guaranteed by the US Government and may be adjusted for inflation to become the greater of the original face amount at issuance or that face amount plus an adjustment for inflation. International investments involve additional risks, which include differences in financial accounting standards, currency fluctuations, geopolitical risk, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. Investing in emerging markets may accentuate these risks. Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors. Diversification, asset allocation, and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when rebalancing a non-retirement account, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability. (1020-0K62)

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