From China's economic woes and tensions with Taiwan, to escalating fighting in the Middle East and the disruption of shipping routes, to central banks keeping interest rates high, there is no shortage of anxiety about geopolitical risks. On today's episode, host Mike Townsend is joined by Jeffrey Kleintop, Schwab's chief global investment strategist, to look beyond the worrisome headlines to see how economies around the globe are doing and what's driving their markets. Jeff shares his perspectives on China's slowdown, the implications of Taiwan's recent election on U.S.-China relations, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including how attacks on container ships in the Red Sea are impacting the global supply chain. 

He also discusses the messages being sent by central banks around the world, why Japan may offer investors an alternative to areas of geopolitical risks, and why investors need to keep an eye on international opportunities despite the headlines.

Mike also looks at a rare bipartisan tax bill that has cleared the House, the politics surrounding the Senate's border security package, and the Federal Reserve's hints about when it may pivot to cutting interest rates.

WashingtonWise is an original podcast for investors from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit Schwab.com/WashingtonWise.

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