Weekly Wrap: What You Should Know About COP26, Fund Capital Gains Distributions, and Foreign Stocks

Editor's note: Read the latest on how the coronavirus is rattling the markets and what investors can do to navigate it.

Editor's Picks

What Banks' Climate Pledges Mean for Energy and Utility Stocks

Total capital controlled by financial firms committed to net-zero initiatives now equals amount needed for a net-zero overhaul, group says.

ETF Flows Keep Rolling in as Stocks Rebound in October

ETFs continued to drum up flows as investors kept an eye toward inflation last month.

Capital Gains Roundup: 2021 Edition

Strong performance and outflows generate some big taxable distributions.

40 Defensive Stocks on Sale

These quality names are trading at 4- and 5-star levels.

Are You Behind on Saving for Retirement?

There’s a path forward, no matter when you start your retirement-plan contributions.

Your November Financial To-Do List While you're thinking about open enrollment, take some time to review your insurance coverage and tax situation.

Portfolio Planning and Personal Finance With Christine Benz

How to Conduct Your Own Portfolio Makeover

Follow these eight steps to an improved, streamlined, and more tax-efficient portfolio.

Your November Financial To-Do List While you're thinking about open enrollment, take some time to review your insurance coverage and tax situation.

Morningstar's 2020 Portfolio Makeover Week Christine Benz helps investors check their progress, assess allocations, target holes and overlap, and upgrade their holdings.

Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

ETF Flows Keep Rolling in as Stocks Rebound in October

ETFs continued to drum up flows as investors kept an eye toward inflation last month.

Bond Funds That Are All Defense

Not all funds in the ultrashort bond Morningstar Category are created equal.

Big Risks for Big Yield

Investors should be cautious when expanding their search for income.

What the Best Index Funds Have in Common

When it comes to doing your homework on index funds, understanding index construction is indispensable.

Capital Gains Roundup: 2021 Edition

Strong performance and outflows generate some big taxable distributions.

Fund Capital Gains Distributions: What to Expect in 2021

A strong year suggests that a decent amount of capital gains will be paid out.

4 Ways to Improve Your Fund Returns

Free yourself from unnecessary complications.

The 3 Best 529 Plans Offerings from Utah, Illinois, and Michigan earn top ratings.

Stocks

Investors Flock to Inflation Protection

Inflation-protected bonds are rallying as investors see price pressures sticking around.

Conagra Looks Appetizing

Its brands continue to perform well in a challenging environment.

Third-Quarter Market Insights in 8 Charts

Our market insights include expectations for rising inflation, the impact of Chinese regulation, and more.

40 Defensive Stocks on Sale

These quality names are trading at 4- and 5-star levels.

Is It Really a Bear Market for China Stocks?

The unusual structure of the Chinese market means the answer depends on where you’re investing.

6 Inflation-Tough Stocks

We think these moaty companies will remain resilient in the face of inflation and ongoing supply chain challenges.

How we expect spending at Zoom, Microsoft, Slack, and more to evolve in a post-COVID-19 world.

Rekenthaler Report

The Loser’s Curse

Buying the fund industry's winners sure beats the alternative.

How to Use Annuities During Retirement

When to consider annuities rather than bonds.

Investing When Everything Is Expensive It's time to revisit the precept of core and explore.

Advisor Insights

How to Make Retirement Savings Last When Life Gets in the Way

What to consider when you're approaching retirement and haven't met savings goals.

10 Financial Do's and Don'ts for a Six-Figure Retirement Patch any holes in your savings bucket.

The Long View Podcast Paul Merriman: 'This Is Not Just a Problem with Retail Amateur Investors' The author and financial educator discusses his commitment to indexing, why he believes in small-value stocks, and the perils of performance-chasing.

Sustainability Matters

As Climate Summit Begins, Analysts See Risks--and Opportunities--for Investors

Climate change is one of the thorniest challenges confronting investors, and one that will reshape the financial markets.

How Can You Invest in Climate Funds?

Uncover what climate solutions can fit into your portfolio.

Ahead of Climate Summit, Fund Managers Struggle With Portfolio Decarbonization

You and your fund have a critical role to play in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions--once your fund manager figures it out.

COP26 Deforestation Pledge Will Empower Companies, Investors to Attack Supply Chain Emissions

Plan to save forests aims to end deforestation by 2030, slowing global warming.

How to Wield Two Tools in ESG Investing

Using divestment and engagement effectively.

COP26 and the Climate Finance Bubble

Targeted private capital will play a critical role in ensuring nations meet the Paris Agreement’s emission reduction targets.

What Banks' Climate Pledges Mean for Energy and Utility Stocks

Total capital controlled by financial firms committed to net-zero initiatives now equals amount needed for a net-zero overhaul, group says.

Climate Summit Gets 'Positive' Grade So Far, Sustainalytics Founder Says, Notwithstanding Worries About Broken Promises

Finance industry's net-zero aims are 'aspirational,' not greenwashing, Jantzi says.

The Short Answer

What You Need to Know About Capital Gains Distributions

If you own mutual funds in a taxable account, you may find yourself with a tax bill despite not having sold a single share.

Are We Taking the Wrong Approach to Financial Education? The findings are mixed, but there are ways to improve the effectiveness of financial literacy programs.

Commentary

Key Steps to Take Before Retirement

Fritz Gilbert, a successful early retiree, shares how he set an in-retirement budget and withdrawal rate.

What's a 'Metaverse' Anyway? Is it likely to become a reality soon, and should you invest?

Most Requested Stock Quotes Apple Tesla Amazon.com Meta Platforms Inc Class A Microsoft

Most Requested Fund Quotes Fidelity 500 Index Vanguard 500 Index Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Dodge & Cox Stock Fidelity Contrafund

Most Requested ETF Quotes Invesco QQQ Trust SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF