Unscrambling the Economy’s Mixed Messages

<p>Lately the data on the economy and the markets has been all over the place, making it hard for investors to get a good read on where things are headed. Some indexes are way up, while others are only up a few percent. Inflation has come way down but remains sticky—and the Fed is contemplating raising rates again. Consumers are spending a lot of money on travel and services, but retailers are starting to feel the pinch as spending patterns have changed. So how do investors make sense of all the data? Kevin Gordon, senior investment strategist with the Schwab Center for Financial Research, joins Mike Townsend to dig into what’s behind the data, why key data points often need to be revised, and how investors can best interpret the information. They also share insights on the recession-versus-soft-landing debate, whether markets care about government shutdowns, and what to look for from the markets in Q4.</p><p>Mike also provides updates on Congress careening toward a possible government shutdown later this fall, the confirmation of a trio of Federal Reserve Board nominees, and a recent IRS ruling that provides clarity on two key retirement savings initiatives.</p><p><i>WashingtonWise </i>is an original podcast for investors from <a href="https://www.schwab.com">Charles Schwab</a>. For more on the series, visit <a href="https://www.schwab.com/washingtonwise">Schwab.com/WashingtonWise</a>.</p><p>If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on <a href="http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1478013779">Apple Podcasts</a>. </p><p><strong>Important Disclosures</strong></p><p>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.<br />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 investm