Volatility

Yielding Ground: Treasuries, Stocks Get Boost from Dovish Fed Talk as Investors Digest Mixed GDP Data November 29, 2023 9:30 AM   |  

Yields hit fresh two-month lows early Wednesday, then turned mixed as investors digested the government's second Q3 GDP estimate. Growth rose more than analysts had expected but consumer was shy of forecasts, a possible conundrum. PCE inflation data tomorrow looms.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
On Hold: Stocks Drift in Lackluster Trading as Investors Await Consumer Confidence, Fed Speakers November 28, 2023 9:14 AM   |  

Without Nonfarm Payrolls at the end of the week, Wall Street faces a new month with something of a data drought. Fed speakers, including Powell on Friday, may fill the vacuum.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
U.S. Outlook: One Thing Leads to Another November 27, 2023 3:54 PM   |  

Economic pain is likely in 2024, but that doesn’t mean stocks will struggle all year, especially if there is a continuation of the rolling recessions that have hit the economy.

9 min read  |  Market Insights
Check the Receipts: Cyber Monday Dawns Calmly Ahead of Key Inflation Data, Fed Talk Later In Week November 27, 2023 9:15 AM   |  

There were signs of strong holiday shopping over the weekend as several additional retailers prepare to report this week, but stocks felt pressure early Monday from weak Chinese industrial profits data. Several Treasury auctions run today and Fed speakers return tomorrow.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Mall Crawl: As Shoppers Hunt Bargains, Investors Watch Slight Pop in Rates During Shortened Session November 24, 2023 9:14 AM   |  

Today’s a shortened session, but investors will be digesting Friday’s Black Friday retail reports with their turkey dinners. Next week’s attention turns to key housing data and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the Fed’s favorite inflation indicator.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Getaway Day: Lots to Digest Before Turkey as OPEC Delays, OpenAI CEO Returns, Nvidia Earnings Pondered November 22, 2023 9:20 AM   |  

There's a bunch of fresh news this morning including a surprise delay by OPEC of its weekend meeting, the return of Sam Altman to OpenAI, and an Nvidia earnings report that mostly impressed. Volume could lighten as the day continues ahead of tomorrow's U.S. holiday closure.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
AI Week: Market Waits to See if Nvidia’s Numbers Keep Tech in a Holiday Mood as OpenAI Storm Swirls November 21, 2023 9:00 AM   |  

Artificial intelligence is front and center today as investors watch for new developments in the storm centering around OpenAI even as Nvidia’s earnings are expected after the close. Fed minutes are also in the picture and several big retailers reported today.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Short Week Stuffed with Data: Leading Indicators, Existing Homes, Fed Minutes Arrive Before the Turkey November 20, 2023 9:09 AM   |  

The shortened holiday week offers plenty of action, including an OPEC meeting, Nvidia earnings, and Treasury auctions. The dollar index is near three-month lows, which could provide support for equities. Microsoft shares rose in premarket trading on a key new hire.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Pre-Weekend Pop: Stocks Boosted by Falling Treasury Yields as Hopes for Early 2024 Rate Cut Grow November 17, 2023 9:10 AM   |  

Wall Street got a boost open from falling Treasury yields as the futures market built in growing chances of a Fed rate cut as soon as Q1 of 2024. Much depends on data between now and then, however. Next week is short, but includes Fed minutes, Nvidia earnings, and Leading Indicators.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Congress Averts Government Shutdown … Again November 16, 2023 2:48 PM   |  

The bill will keep the federal government running into early 2024, but it likely increases the risk of a shutdown in February.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Corporate Caution Rattles Market: Walmart, Cisco Disappoint with Guidance, Threatening Rally November 16, 2023 9:14 AM   |  

The long rally could be at risk as Walmart and Cisco both expressed caution in their guidance. Shares of both companies lost ground ahead of the open, and the weakness appeared to spread to the major indexes. Treasury yields, however, remain near the bottom of their range.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Cool Prices, Hot Sales: Encouraging Inflation Data Buoys Stocks, But Yields Rise on Strong Retail Report November 15, 2023 9:33 AM   |  

Inflation cooled on the wholesale side in October, helped by falling gas prices, but retail sales remained hotter than expected. This could mean consumers stayed healthy amid low unemployment. Treasury yields got an initial bounce from the retail sales data.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Hikes Over? Cool October CPI Report Lifts Stocks, Hammers Yields on Ideas that Rates Have Peaked November 14, 2023 9:29 AM   |  

The October Consumer Price Index (CPI) report this morning showed flat headline growth month-over-month and the lightest yearly gain in core prices in two years. Stocks immediately lifted off after the data as investors dialed down chances of near-term rate hikes to practically zero.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Bi-Coastal: Inflation Data Loom, but Week's Focus Could Turn to D.C. Shutdown Debate, Biden/Xi in San Fran November 13, 2023 9:12 AM   |  

A critical week lies ahead as Washington, D.C., counts down to a possible shutdown, Biden meets Xi, and market awaits key inflation data starting Tuesday. Stocks lost some traction early Monday and volatility could increase amid the data and headline focus ahead.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Yields Still Directing Traffic: Sentiment Check Awaited After Long Wall Street Rally Fizzles November 10, 2023 9:08 AM   |  

Wall Street's long winning streak ended yesterday as Treasury yields spiked, but things got quieter this morning on a day featuring little in the way of important data or earnings. It changes next week as investors await October Consumer Price Index data and Retail Sales.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Actors Settle Strike, But Groundhog Day Still Playing on Wall Street as Powell Remarks Awaited November 9, 2023 9:17 AM   |  

The major indexes enter Thursday on their longest win streaks in nearly two years, but data and earnings are thin. Settlement of the actors' strike lifted studio stocks early, while investors await Fed Chairman Powell's remarks this afternoon.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Going to Disneyland: As Powell Speaks and DIS Reports, Market Seeks Direction After 7 Positive Days November 8, 2023 9:15 AM   |  

Remarks by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell this morning put the focus back on Fed policy after its rate pause last week, but the spotlight turns to Disney earnings after the close. Crude hit 3-month lows today after a large U.S. supply gain, and there's a 10-year Treasury auction later.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Hawk Takes Flight: Rally Pauses as Market Ponders Fed Speaker's Tone, Awaits More Central Bank Speeches November 7, 2023 9:26 AM   |  

Stocks came under pressure early Tuesday, threatening the six-day S&P 500 rally as investors contemplated a Fed speaker's hawkish tone and await more remarks from central bank officials. The 10-year yield fell slightly but remains above 4.6%, while Uber's results stopped short.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
After Best Week of Year, Market Faces Thicket of Fed Speakers, Disney Earnings, Lending Update November 6, 2023 9:17 AM   |  

Wall Street enjoyed its best week of the year last week but an encore might be tough amid a dearth of major earnings and data. Fed speakers, including Chairman Powelll, dominate the calendar, along with earnings from Disney at mid-week. The 10-year yield bears close watching.

5 min read  |  Daily Market Update
Another Rate Hike Bites the Dust November 1, 2023 7:14 PM   |  

With unanimity, the Fed opted to keep the fed funds rate unchanged but remains attentive to the idea that inflation risk should still be paid attention to.

5 min read  |  Federal Reserve
Where Is the U.S. Dollar Headed? October 2, 2023 1:36 PM   |  

Expectations of "higher for longer" U.S. interest rates has helped drive the dollar's recent rally.

5 min read  |  Federal Reserve
Congress Averts Government Shutdown October 2, 2023 1:24 PM   |  

A surprising last-minute deal on Capitol Hill averted a government shutdown—for now. But lawmakers face a new mid-November deadline that will be just as tricky to navigate.

5 min read  |  Market News
Fed Pauses but Projects One More Hike This Year September 20, 2023 8:26 PM   |  

The September Federal Reserve meeting provided few surprises, but ongoing uncertainty about the Fed's next move may mean more volatility ahead.

5 min read  |  Federal Reserve
Understanding Historical and Implied Volatility Ranking Through IV Percentiles September 12, 2023 12:38 PM   |  

Discover how to calculate historical volatility (HV) and implied volatility (IV) rank using percentiles on thinkorswim to assess normal or unusual changes.

4 min read  |  thinkorswim Platform
Use the Sortino Ratio to Gauge Downside Risk in Your Portfolio August 30, 2023 12:41 PM   |  

Learn the calculation process for the Sortino ratio formula and discover new skills to evaluate downside volatility and potential losses in your portfolio.

5 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Market Doldrums? Five Options Strategies for Low-Volatility Environments July 27, 2023 10:00 AM   |  

Explore five options strategies designed for low-volatility markets, including two bullish, two bearish, and one neutral, to help traders adapt their strategy.

5 min read  |  Advanced Options Strategies
Fed Raises Rates, Leaves Door Open to More Hikes July 26, 2023 6:14 PM   |  

In a unanimous decision, Federal Reserve policymakers raised the federal funds rate to 5.5%, the highest point since 2001.

5 min read  |  Federal Reserve
Want to Check Out a Fund—or a Fund Manager? The Information Ratio Offers a Close-Up on Performance Over Time July 19, 2023 10:26 AM   |  

What is the Information ratio? The Information ratio (IR) measures the risk-adjusted returns of a particular asset or portfolio against a benchmark. Learn more.

3 min read  |  Investing
Looking Beyond Returns: Using the Sharpe Ratio to Gauge Risk June 29, 2023 10:03 AM   |  

Learn how to calculate the Sharpe ratio to gauge risk, compare investments, and make informed decisions based on risk-adjusted returns in your portfolio.

5 min read  |  Investing
Housing: Rolling in (and out of) the Deep June 26, 2023 4:25 PM   |  

After falling into its own recession last year, the housing market has started to turn decisively higher; but a sustained recovery might not be the strongest elixir for the economy.

7 min read  |  Market Insights
2023 Mid-Year Market Outlook: Out of the Woods June 15, 2023 3:43 PM   |  

Our chief market strategist breaks down the day's top business stories and offers insight on how they might impact your trading and investing.

4 min read  |  Market Insights
Fed Holds but Projects More Hikes to Come June 14, 2023 6:44 PM   |  

With unanimity, the Federal Open Market Committee held the federal funds rate in its current range, but updated projections suggest this rate-hike cycle is not yet over.

5 min read  |  Federal Reserve
2023 Mid-Year Outlook: U.S. Stocks and Economy June 13, 2023 1:43 PM   |  

A broadening out in market performance would help bolster a more sustainable stock rally, but that hinges on increasing clarity for monetary policy, recession risk, and bank stress.

7 min read  |  Market Insights
Options Volatility Skew: Why Off-Balance Isn’t All Bad June 8, 2023 10:07 AM   |  

Discover options volatility skew (vol skew), which refers to the variation in implied volatility (IV) between out-of-the-money (OTM) calls and puts.

5 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
2023 Mid-Year Outlook: Fixed Income June 7, 2023 5:17 PM   |  

Despite high volatility in the bond market during the first half of the year, what's surprising is how much didn't change.

5 min read  |  Market Insights
Debt Ceiling: House Bill Passes, Impasse Continues April 28, 2023 1:31 PM   |  

Although the House narrowly approved a bill designed to jumpstart negotiations, the issue is far from resolved.

5 min read  |  Economy
Can Protective Puts Provide a Temporary Shield? April 19, 2023 3:55 PM   |  

Protective puts are one way to hedge stocks against a significant price drop. But investors should consider factors such as time decay and volatility.

3 min read  |  Trading Strategies
A Portfolio Tune-Up: What Economic Recovery Means for Your Investments April 19, 2023 11:45 AM   |  

During a major economic event, it may be a good time to revisit your portfolio. It could mean rethinking long-term objectives, reexamining your risk tolerance, or taking a moment to self-reflect.

5 min read  |  Investment Strategies
Avoid the Knee Jerk: Financial Planning, Market Volatility, and 4 Signs It’s Time to Pivot April 19, 2023 11:35 AM   |  

Trying to figure out your financial planning during a time of market volatility? Learn how to stick to your financial goals.

5 min read  |  Investing Basics
Weathering Earnings and Managing “Idiosyncratic” Risk January 25, 2023 11:25 AM   |  

When companies report quarterly earnings, the stakes can be high. A single earnings miss can dent an investment portfolio that’s concentrated. Here are a few ideas for managing idiosyncratic risk.

5 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Putting Up a Good Defense: Defensive Stocks & Sectors Investing Strategy November 8, 2022 10:35 AM   |  

A good defense is the best offense, right? It’s sometimes true for investing as well. Learn more about defensive stocks and defensive sector investing.

5 min read  |  ETFs & Mutual Funds
Stock Volatility Indicators: A Handy Addition to Trend and Momentum Indicators November 3, 2022 10:58 AM   |  

In technical analysis, many traders start with trend and momentum indicators. But don’t forget volatility indicators, which track the magnitude of price movements.

5 min read  |  Technical Analysis
What’s Your Portfolio’s Risk Level? Beta Weighting on thinkorswim® May Offer Clues October 12, 2022 11:46 AM   |  

Traders can use the beta-weighting tool on the thinkorswim® platform to view the overall risk of all their positions as a whole instead of looking at risks of individual assets.

3 min read  |  thinkorswim Platform
Using the Average True Range (ATR) Indicator in Your Trade Exit Strategy July 26, 2022 10:56 AM   |  

The average true range (ATR) indicator could be a new arrow in your quiver of technical analysis tools. Learn how the ATR indicator helps traders set their exit strategy.

2 min read  |  Technical Analysis
What’s a Black Swan Event? How to Spot and Prepare for This Outlier July 12, 2022 11:28 AM   |  

What is a black swan event? Learn about black swan events and how you can attempt to protect yourself and your portfolio from adverse shocks.

4 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Market Volatility and Market Inflation: A Balance for Investors June 2, 2022 1:51 PM   |  

Market volatility and market inflation can destroy investment value. Here’s how investors can account for both in their long-term portfolio strategy.

5 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Bank CDs vs. Brokered CDs: What’s the Big Difference? March 22, 2022 12:45 PM   |  

CD investing isn’t limited to walking into your local bank branch and opening an account. Learn the potential benefits and risks of brokered CDs and bank CDs.

5 min read  |  Bonds & Fixed Income
Options Trading Strategy to Consider During Earnings Season: Iron Condors October 7, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

Earnings season can create volatility in price movement. Learn how to spot potential options trade candidates by assessing straddle price versus average earnings moves.

6 min read  |  Trading
Portfolio Diversification Redux: Think Like a Trader September 27, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

Diversification isn’t just about stocks, bonds, and cash. When hedging risk for an options portfolio, think price, time, and volatility.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
thinkTank: Think Outside the Box September 27, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

When you look beneath the Analyze tab on thinkorswim®, you may find some features you may not have known about.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Vol Whisperer: How to Spot a New Volatility Regime September 27, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

Understanding the nature of volatility regimes and recognizing when it’s shifting could help unlock potential trading opportunities.

3 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
It’s a Special Relationship: Intermarket Analysis in the Current Rate Environment August 6, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

Understanding the relationships between stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies can help you identify economic trends and better manage your investments.

5 min read  |  Investing
Short-Term Trading in Slow Motion: The Swing Trade July 20, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

Want to try your hand at short-term trading? Consider swing trading: holding positions for a few days to try to capture a larger intermediate-term price swing.

4 min read  |  Trading Strategies
Risk Profile Tool: The Option Trader's Travel Companion June 28, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Learn how the Risk Profile tool in the thinkorswim platform can help options traders visualize different scenarios and make trading decisions a little simpler.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Trade Winds: An Options Strategy Styled For You June 28, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

With many options trading strategies to choose from, how do you find the right one? Consider a three-step process to help with your decision.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Options Straddles vs. Strangles: The Basics of Volatility and Magnitude Strategies May 6, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Options straddles and strangles are a way for advanced traders to get long or short exposure to volatility (vega), but the volatility needs to be weighted against time decay (theta). Here are the basics.

6 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
Got Vol? Trade Around It. April 5, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Do the headwinds of time decay turn you off from buying single options on volatile stocks? Find out how you may be able to turn the headwinds into tailwinds by trading those stock moves.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Capiche: Why Are You Getting In a Trade? April 5, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Successful traders have rules and stick to them, whether those rules are based on volatility, probability, technical analysis, or other factors.

1 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Want to Speak the Language of Option Traders? Here’s an Options Trading Terminology Guide March 16, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Return on capital and liquidity mean specific things in finance. But they can mean something different to an option trader. Read this options trading terminology guide to find out.

7 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
What Does the Post-COVID-19 Investing World Look Like? January 13, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

2020 was a challenging year for investors. But 2021 might be a challenge as well—for different reasons. Here’s a look at the opportunities and risks.

5 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
New Year, New You: Hitting the Reset Button January 4, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Starting the new year fresh can be a great idea. Despite the drop and pop we saw last year, it may still be a good time to think about resetting your trading strategies and get a fresh start.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Options Building Blocks: Why Should Investors Consider Covered Calls and Cash-Secured Puts? November 23, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Selling covered calls and cash-secured puts can help investors generate additional income, increase their probability of success, decrease their volatility of returns, and lower their overall risk when compared to buying stock.

5 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
Five Option Strategies for High-Volatility Trading Environments October 6, 2020 12:53 PM   |  

When faced with high volatility, many options traders turn to these five strategies designed to capitalize on elevated volatility levels.

3 min read  |  Advanced Options Strategies
It’s About the Algorithms: Is a Robo-Advisor Right for You? October 2, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Like most financial advisors, robo-advisors recommend portfolios based on investors’ long-term financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Because robo-advisors generally use algorithms to make investment decisions, they avoid emotions and generally charge lower fees.

5 min read  |  Investing Basics
Is the FIRE Movement Burning Out? Financial Independence, Retire Early in 2020 August 25, 2020 10:26 AM   |  

The “financial independence, retire early” (FIRE) movement was all the rage in 2018 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we think about a lot of things. Has the upheaval in 2020 changed the desire to FIRE? And how might retirement plans be affected by the current situation?

5 min read  |  Retirement Planning
Facts on SPACs: What to Consider Before Investing in Blank-Check Companies August 20, 2020 10:38 AM   |  

Special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have been around awhile, but they’ve gotten some new attention in 2020. Here’s a look at the mechanics and risks for investors involved in blank-check companies.

5 min read  |  Alternative Investing
Outcome-Based Investing During Market Downturns June 18, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Are you an investor who follows the daily or weekly ebb and flow of your retirement accounts? If so, market downturns might be a bit unsettling at times. But what if instead of focusing on today’s bottom line you focused instead on outcomes—your progress toward your goals? Here’s how.

5 min read  |  Goal Planning
Facing a Recession and Bear Market? Avoid 3 Mistakes Many Investors Make May 1, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

The escalating coronavirus pandemic that triggered a bear market in U.S. stocks in early 2020 looks to have tipped us into a possible recession. How can you prepare for and invest during a recession and bear market?

5 min read  |  Economic Trends
Bollinger Bands: What They Are and How to Use Them March 23, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Learn about the Bollinger Bands technical indicator and how it can help identify volatility and overbought/oversold conditions in stocks and indices.

3 min read  |  Technical Analysis
Surfing the Jobs Report: Why It Matters and Strategies for Trading It February 10, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

The monthly U.S. Employment Situation report—commonly called the jobs report—is perhaps the most closely watched fundamental indicator for traders and investors. Here’s why.

5 min read  |  Advanced Options Strategies
What Are Tariffs and Who Really Pays For Them? November 19, 2019 2:48 PM   |  

Tariffs have been part of American economic history from the country’s origins. Are tariffs good or bad for investors?

5 min read  |  Investment Strategies
Ask a Trader: When High Volatility Hits, Should I Switch from Long to Short Options Strategies? November 12, 2019 3:39 PM   |  

Should you switch from trading long options strategies to short options strategies when volatility levels are high? Sometimes prices are high for a reason.

5 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
As You Wind Down the Road: Market Volatility, Risk, and Your Retirement Portfolio October 18, 2019 10:15 AM   |  

All investments experience market volatility, which is why retirement portfolio strategies should focus on allocating assets across investments of different risk levels.

3 min read  |  Retirement Planning
Ask the Coach: This Volatility Is Scaring Me. Should I Be Cashing Out Stocks? October 7, 2019 1:53 PM   |  

When volatility rears its occasional head, some investors consider cashing out stocks. But are there better ways to ride out market volatility? Cameron May explains.

5 min read  |  Trading Strategies
Smart-Beta ETFs: Alternative Portfolio Allocation Beyond Market Cap September 24, 2019 10:15 AM   |  

What is a smart-beta ETF? Explore what qualifies as a smart-beta fund and what systems define this type of ETF.

5 min read  |  ETFs & Mutual Funds
Reaching for Yield: “Vanilla” Investments Can Be Risky, So Know What to Watch August 27, 2019 11:35 AM   |  

In these times of stock market volatility, many investors are looking for yield in fixed income and dividend stocks. However, there’s risk in these investments, too, so know what you’re getting into.

5 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Want to Trade War-Proof Stocks? Ways to Aim for Tariff Protection June 17, 2019 11:28 AM   |  

As trade war fears heat up between the U.S. and some of its major trading partners, some investors may be looking for tariff protection. Here are some things to consider as you aim for a “trade-war-proof” portfolio.

5 min read  |  Investment Strategies
Market Volatility: Can Robo-Advisors Help Avoid Emotional Trading? April 29, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Trading with your emotions during times of market volatility? Explore whether a robo-advisor may be able to help.

5 min read  |  Investment Guidance
Surf’s Up? 3 Ways to Catch a Wave with VIX and Volatility Products April 9, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Looking for volatility exposure? Learn about volatility products including VIX options.

6 min read  |  Advanced Options Strategies
Retirees: Is Your Investing Plan Built for Market Volatility? March 14, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Temporarily protect your retirement against volatility risk. Here are some retirement- planning strategies.

4 min read  |  Portfolio Management
Three Things to Consider for Your Equity Compensation Plan February 7, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Got stock options? Set goals and have a plan. Here are three steps to consider for your equity compensation plan.

5 min read  |  Stocks & Stock Sectors
Annual Vol Is Nice. What About Tomorrow? January 7, 2019 3:00 AM   |  

Volatility data is focused on the long term. Traders are focused on the short term. There is a way to convert volatility data so it can be useful for the trader.

4 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
Tips for Riding Out Volatility in Your Company’s Stock December 21, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Does volatility worry you when it comes to the stock you've received as compensation? Learn tips to help manage this valid concern.

5 min read  |  Stocks & Stock Sectors
Grow Your Retirement Savings to Keep Up With Inflation November 26, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Here’s why you need to keep your retirement money growing even when you’re already using it (hint: inflation and longevity).

7 min read  |  Retirement Planning
Basics of Investing in Stocks: What is a Stock? July 31, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

New to stock investing? Learn the basics of stocks, earnings, dividends, and how a stock’s value is determined.

5 min read  |  Investing Basics
Tips for Portfolio Diversification Amid Market Volatility July 2, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

The recent wave of volatility might serve as a reminder of the importance of using a diversified investment trading approach. Here are some tips to avoid possible traps in these choppy markets.

5 min read  |  Margin
Not All Big Moves Are Created Equal: Volatility and Probabilities January 7, 2018 11:00 PM   |  

Using volatility and market statistics is one of many keys to successful stock market trading. Learn how to incorporate them into your investment strategy.

7 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
Earnings Calendar Tool to Help Investors Navigate Earnings Season October 30, 2017 12:00 AM   |  

With the earnings calendar tools available on the TD Ameritrade thinkorswim Platform, you can be in the know when it comes to the earnings season.

4 min read  |  Web Platform
Volanthology World Tour: Foreign Exchange Volatility October 5, 2017 12:00 AM   |  

Learn about the dynamics of foreign exchange volatility, and where to find currency volatility data.

3 min read  |  Forex
U.S. Presidential Election Cycle & Stock Market Performance August 30, 2016 12:00 AM   |  

The U.S. presidential election cycle theory of the stock market says that the market moves based on the year of the president's term. Is there any proof?

5 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Reversion to the Mean: Taking Volatility to a New Level July 7, 2016 12:00 AM   |  

Implied volatility tends to be mean reverting. But what does that really mean? Learn how options traders can potentially benefit from monitoring implied volat

4 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
Income Investing with Exchange-Traded Funds: Can It Be Done? March 8, 2016 11:00 PM   |  

ETFs have matured but they’re not done evolving. Morningstar’s Scott Burns urges income-seeking investors to expand their minds and their research.

5 min read  |  ETFs & Mutual Funds
Option Strategy Throw Down: Selling Strangles vs Iron Condors October 7, 2015 8:01 PM   |  

Volatility’s tendency to level out after a spike can present strategy opportunities, especially selling strategies found with strangles and iron condors.

5 min read  |  Advanced Options Strategies
Market Grudge Match: Enter a Trade Using Volatility or Price? October 1, 2015 6:03 PM   |  

Use volatility to pick an options strategy to speculate on a given direction, rather than to replace fundamental analysis and charts to determine potential.

7 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
Is Market Timing Possible? Try Sentiment Analysis to Get Closer July 5, 2015 8:00 PM   |  

Trying to time the market? Add sentiment analysis to your stock trading approach to help narrow the time horizon around an underlying security’s move.

2 min read  |  thinkorswim Platform
Size Up Option Straddles for a Reading on Earnings Volatility May 20, 2015 8:00 PM   |  

Check out short-term options pricing to gain a sense of how the underlying stock could move around an earnings release. You can track straddles or use the TD

3 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
How “Out” is Out of the Money? Options for Fear and Volatility April 29, 2015 8:00 PM   |  

Out-of-the-money call options may be hard to trade when volatility is low, but there are good opportunities for cheaper options trades during market extremes.

4 min read  |  Advanced Options Strategies
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