Charles Schwab reports record net new assets of $49.9 billion in May
The Charles Schwab Corporation reported core net new assets of $49.9 billion for May 2026, a 43% increase year-over-year and a record for the month. Total client assets reached $13.14 trillion, rising 27% from May 2025 and 4% from April 2026, driven by robust engagement in equities and ETFs. Daily average trades hit a record 11.8 million, while new brokerage accounts increased 37% to 461,000.
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The Charles Schwab Corporation reported core net new assets of $49.9 billion for May 2026, marking a record for the month and representing a 43% increase compared to May 2025. Total client assets reached $13.14 trillion as of May 31, 2026, rising 27% year-over-year and 4% from April 2026. The growth was driven by robust engagement in equities and exchange-traded fund products, which contributed to a record daily average trades volume of 11.8 million.
New brokerage accounts opened during May totaled 461,000, an increase of 37% versus May 2025. Client margin loan balances were $154.6 billion at month-end, up 38% from year-end 2025. This total included $37.4 billion related to long/short strategies. The company’s Monthly Activity Report for May 2026 detailed these metrics, highlighting continued expansion across its client base and asset levels.
Key Metrics for May 2026
| Metric | Value | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Core Net New Assets | $49.9 billion | 43% |
| Total Client Assets | $13.14 trillion | 27% |
| New Brokerage Accounts | 461,000 | 37% |
| Daily Average Trades | 11.8 million | 64% |
| Client Margin Loan Balances | $154.6 billion | 38% from year-end |
Client Assets and Accounts
Total client assets of $13.14 trillion represented a 4% increase from April 2026. The company reported 39.5 million active brokerage accounts, 5.9 million workplace plan participant accounts, and 2.3 million banking accounts as of May 31, 2026. Assets under management for clients receiving ongoing advisory services reached $925.8 billion for Investor Services and $5,716.0 billion for Advisor Services.
Trading Activity
Daily average trades reached a record 11.8 million in May, driven primarily by robust engagement in equities and exchange-traded fund products. Derivative trades accounted for 19.8% of total trades, a decrease of 160 basis points year-over-year. The Schwab Trading Activity Index (STAX) stood at 55.1 for the month, up 10% from April 2026 and 39% from May 2025.
Can Schwab sustain the 43% growth rate in core net new assets given potential market volatility in the second half of 2026?
How will the rising margin loan balances impact the company's risk profile if market conditions deteriorate?
What strategies is Schwab employing to offset the year-over-year decline in derivative trading volume?
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