Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
With high-profile IPOs generating investor excitement but also increasing volatility in the stock market, it's a good time to remember that bonds can help smooth volatility in your portfolio. In this episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Collin Martin, head of fixed income research and strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, for a timely discussion on the state of the bond market. Collin dives into what the latest inflation and jobs numbers are telling us about the economy and how the Federal Reserve is likely to stay cautious rather than rush into more rate moves. He examines how the arrival of new Chair Kevin Warsh at the Fed could change the way the central bank communicates and the implications of that for the markets. And he surveys where opportunities may exist across the fixed income landscape—from ultra-short bond funds to investment-grade corporates, high-yield bonds, preferred securities, and municipal bonds. Mike also shares the latest from Washington, including the latest evidence that the government funding process is breaking down, worrisome news about Social Security, and an under-the-radar confirmation hearing that goes to the heart of the debate about the integrity of economic data.
WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab (https://www.schwab.com) . For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise (schwab.com/washingtonwise) .
If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts (http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1478013779) .
DISCLOSURES
Investors in mutual funds and/or ETFs should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus via 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
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.
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.
Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
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 ramificat...
With high-profile IPOs generating investor excitement but also increasing volatility in the stock market, it's a good time to remember that bonds can help smooth volatility in your portfolio. In this episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Collin Martin, head of fixed income research and strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, for a timely discussion on the state of the bond market. Collin dives into what the latest inflation and jobs numbers are telling us about the economy and how the Federal Reserve is likely to stay cautious rather than rush into more rate moves. He examines how the arrival of new Chair Kevin Warsh at the Fed could change the way the central bank communicates and the implications of that for the markets. And he surveys where opportunities may exist across the fixed income landscape—from ultra-short bond funds to investment-grade corporates, high-yield bonds, preferred securities, and municipal bonds. Mike also shares the latest from Washington, including the latest evidence that the government funding process is breaking down, worrisome news about Social Security, and an under-the-radar confirmation hearing that goes to the heart of the debate about the integrity of economic data.
WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab (https://www.schwab.com) . For more on the series, visit schwab.com/WashingtonWise (schwab.com/washingtonwise) .
If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on Apple Podcasts (http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1478013779) .
DISCLOSURES
Investors in mutual funds and/or ETFs should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus via 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
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.
This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political 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.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
All names and market data shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.
Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.
Performance may be affected by risks associated with non-diversification, including investments in specific countries or sectors. Additional risks may also include, but are not limited to, investments in foreign securities, especially emerging markets, real estate investment trusts (REITs), fixed income, municipal securities including state specific municipal securities, small capitalization securities and commodities. Each individual investor should consider these risks carefully before investing in a particular security or strategy.
High-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (junk bonds) are subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risks and may be more volatile than higher-rated securities. High-yield securities are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to make principal and interest payments.
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 ramificat...
