This week, Liz Ann Sonders and Collin Martin discuss one of the market's biggest themes, AI, and why the enormous capex spending on AI reinforces the importance of portfolio rebalancing. Liz Ann explains how AI-related companies now make up a significant share of major stock indexes and explores the risks that come with growing concentration in a handful of large-cap names. Rather than trying to predict which AI winners will emerge next, she highlights rebalancing as a disciplined way to trim outperformers, add to lagging areas, and maintain diversification. The conversation also touches on opportunities beyond the largest technology stocks, including equal-weight index funds, small-cap stocks, and quality-focused investing.

On the fixed income side, Collin discusses how investors can think about rebalancing bond portfolios by balancing interest-rate risk and credit risk. He explains why investors sitting in cash or very short-term investments may be able to capture higher yields further out on the yield curve and why selective exposure to higher-quality corporate bonds may still make sense despite relatively tight credit spreads. Finally, Liz Ann and Collin discuss how inflation, AI-related investment spending, and the strength of the consumer could shape both Fed policy and market performance in the months ahead.

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

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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 securities, investment products and 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.

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. 

Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.

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

Rebalancing may cause investors to incur transaction costs and, when a non-retirement account is rebalanced, taxable events may be created that may affect your tax liability.

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