Traders Remain Optimistic about Equities Through Q1 2014

Traders Remain Optimistic about Equities Through Q1 2014

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nearly 85 percent of traders say they are confident that stock prices will either remain at or near their current levels or continue to rise over the next three to six months, according to new data captured in Charles Schwab's most recent Trading Services Sentiment Survey from September 2013.

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and near-term risks - including gridlock in Washington, D.C. over government funding, the debt ceiling and the specter of tapering looming from the Federal Reserve - bullish sentiment increased to 44 percent, compared to June 2013 when some 38 percent of those surveyed identified themselves as bullish.

In addition to reporting a positive outlook on the market, nearly all respondents (99 percent) describe themselves as having a moderate to high tolerance for risk when trading. In fact, more than 21 percent of those surveyed report a higher risk tolerance today than just one year ago. Moreover, with September having marked the five year anniversary of the financial crisis, nearly half (48 percent) of respondents report that they are more confident in the markets today than they were in September 2008.

"Against the backdrop of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, 55 percent of respondents say that the primary reason they trade is to take control of their finances," said Kelli Keough, Senior Vice President of Trading Services at Charles Schwab. "With another 41 percent saying they trade primarily to generate income, we continue to see today's trader taking a hands-on approach to engaging with the markets. Contrary to what might be general perception, less than two percent of traders say they trade because they enjoy the thrill."

The latest Trading Services Sentiment Survey also revealedthat traders continue to evaluate trading opportunities while on-the-go. Just over 30 percent report conducting stock research from a mobile device or tablet.

Data from the Charles Schwab Trading Services Sentiment Survey were derived from responses of participants in Charles Schwab's virtual education event on September 19, 2013.

Schwab provides traders with superior trading platforms, free seminars and workshops, online education resources and 24-hour access to experienced trading specialists, with no minimum trade requirements. For more information, please visit www.schwab.com/trader or call 888-245-6864.

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About Charles Schwab

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Disclosures

Through its operating subsidiaries, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYS: SCHW) provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; compliance and trade monitoring solutions; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at www.schwab.com and www.aboutschwab.com.

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