Global Issues Abound: Should Investors Be Worried?

Everyday investors are inundated with troubling news from around the world, but it’s hard to know what the impact could be on the U.S. economy and markets. Jeff Kleintop, Charles Schwab’s chief international strategist, joins host Mike Townsend to dive into China’s struggling economy, actions by central banks around the globe, trade concerns, elections in over 80 countries and the impact on policies, and what it all means for investors.

Mike looks at how the recent continuing resolution passed by Congress avoided a government shutdown but pushes the funding deadline to December 20 and into the hands of the "lame duck" session when Congress returns after the elections. Mike also looks at the bipartisan decision by the SEC to move to half-cent pricing on some stocks, and he shares insights on the latest efforts in Congress to provide a better regulatory structure and more protection for investors when it comes to cryptocurrency.

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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.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion are subject to changes without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, and geopolitical conditions. Data herein 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.

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

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. 

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.

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.

Digital currencies [such as bitcoin] are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument.

Currency trading is speculative, volatile and not suitable for all investors.

Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

All names and market data shown ab