2021 Market Outlook: What to Expect from the Economy, the Bond Market, Global Equities, and Washington

In this year-end bonus episode, Schwab experts look ahead to consider what investors might expect in 2021.  First, Mark talks with Liz Ann Sonders, Schwab’s chief investment strategist. Liz Ann offers her perspective on the direction of the U.S. economy and stock market. Vaccines represent a light at the end of the tunnel, but Liz Ann cautions that we will enter 2021 still in the tunnel.  Next, Mark speaks with Kathy Jones, Schwab’s chief fixed income strategist. Kathy looks at what bond investors might expect from the Federal Reserve and fixed income assets in the new year.  Then, Jeffrey Kleintop—Schwab’s chief global investment strategist—joins the show and examines what 2021 might hold for the global economy and markets.  Finally, as a busy election season winds down, Mike Townsend, Schwab’s vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs, offers his outlook for what to expect in politics and policy next year. Subscribe to Financial Decoder for free on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/financialdecoder. If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts.    Important Disclosures: The 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. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. 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.  Diversification and rebalancing a portfolio cannot ensure a profit or protect against a loss in any given market environment. 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.  Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data. 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. 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.  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.  Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes please see www.schwab.com/indexdefinitions. Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB. (1220-0XBU)

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