Good morning. My name is Stephaney, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Second Quarter Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers'
Morningstar director of economic analysis Bob Johnson addresses recent sluggishness in the economy and makes the case for better growth in the second half of the year.
A panel of Morningstar equity, mutual fund, and ETF experts detail several individual investment opportunities and sensible investing strategies for income and growth in today's tough market.
Although the economy needs to improve before the Fed raises key rates, some dividend payers might act as good hedges amid higher rates, while others have something to lose, says Morningstar's Josh Peters.