Data revisions, survey response issues, and hard vs. soft data

What's the state of the economy now? How much of the latest GDP growth is driven by capex? In this episode, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones discuss the release of the latest Fed minutes, mixed signals on inflation and unemployment, and weakness in the survey data itself. 

Then, Liz Ann and Kathy are joined by Kevin Gordon, Schwab's head of macro research and strategy. Kevin shares his perspective on the overall backdrop in the context of the latest GDP report from the fourth quarter and the impact of tariffs. He and Liz Ann also discuss the various phases of the AI rollout. Additionally, they consider how slowing immigration and labor force growth could become structural constraints on long‑term GDP expansion.

You can read the article that Liz Ann and Kevin wrote titled “Cascade: AI’s Latest Phase” on Schwab.com.

On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. 

If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.

Important Disclosures

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. 

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.

All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.

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

The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please see schwab.com/indexdefinitions 

(0226-EEP7)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.