Weekly Wrap: Morningstar Awards, Robo-Advisors, and the Future of Food

Editor's Picks

Do You Need an Annuity for Retirement Income? Some guidelines to figure out whether an annuity makes sense for you, and if so, how much to allocate. The Best Core Stock Funds for 2022 These large company-focused mutual funds and ETFs blend growth stocks and value stocks and earn Morningstar Fund Analyst Ratings of Gold. Is the Future of Food Plant-Based? Beyond Meat Versus Tyson Foods Beyond Meat faces ESG risk, but shares look attractive. The Best Total U.S. Stock Market Funds Few in numbers, but high in quality. What New Management Means for Vanguard Wellington The fund recently underwent a change in leadership. Here's what we think of the changes so far. Appealing or Annoying: What Features Do Online Investors Really Want? Tips advisors can use to offer clients what they want most.

Portfolio Planning and Personal Finance With Christine Benz

How to Extract Income From a Retirement Portfolio We compare different strategies for generating cash flows, from pure total return to income-centric approaches to annuities. How to Customize a Bucket Approach to Your Own Needs Tailor the approach to better fit your personal spending rate, nonportfolio sources of income, and other factors. 4 Ways to Reduce the Pain of Required Minimum Distributions Tap into these strategies to reduce your tax burden or keep your assets growing. How to Build a Portfolio You Don't Have to Babysit These four steps can help you craft a (mostly) hands-off portfolio.

Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds

Ratings Changes for March Reflect the Importance of Strong Lead Managers Here are some ratings highlights from March. Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence: Outstanding Portfolio Manager Nominees Three portfolio managers earn accolades for industry achievements. Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence: Exemplary Stewardship Nominees We recognize three asset managers for nurturing cultures that put investors first. Liquid Alternatives Funds Belong on Most Investors' Too-Hard Pile Their diversification benefits have mostly been a mirage. The Best Robo-Advisors of 2022 These six providers receive High or Above Average scores from Morningstar.

Stocks

Diversification Deep Dive New research suggests that diversifying a portfolio is becoming more challenging. Here's what to focus on. Ford Stock Set to Benefit From Electric Vehicle Push Shares of the old-line automaker are undervalued as it retools to compete with Tesla. 3 Utilities Stocks That May Weather the Storm Inflation and other factors dim the allure of this dividend-rich sector today, but these stocks may be resilient. Oil Supply and Demand: Famine to Feast? We've lowered our near-term forecasts, but the pendulum could quickly swing back to oversupply.

Advisor Insights

Mapping ESG Practices and Carbon Risk in 48 Countries' Stock Markets Despite being home to several sustainability leaders, the U.S.' overall ranking is dragged down by a few companies with high ESG risks.

Investors Fight Against Plastic Packaging The issue of plastics, packaging, and pollution is at its peak influence right now, and companies seem eager to do their part. How Ecolab, IFF Are Shaping the Future of Food These companies may not be food producers, but they impact the way we eat. Climate Funds Dig Deeper Roots As the focus on climate change increases, the investing landscape continues to grow. Food Companies Can Help Solve Climate Crisis Climate initiatives won't work without addressing agriculture.

The Long View Podcast

Nick Maggiulli: 'The Biggest Lie in Personal Finance' The author and blogger discusses the value of growing income, the cash versus bonds conundrum, and how a portfolio can diversify human capital.

The Short Answer

What You Need to Know About 401(k) Rollovers Streamlining your retirement accounts? Think through the key variables first.

Commentary

Should You Trust the 4% 'Guideline' for Your Withdrawal Rate? Financial expert and author JL Collins shares his insights on the recent discourse around the 4% rule. How to Keep Building Trust With Clients and Why You Should Personalization, deep knowledge, and shared goals can establish advisor-client trust.

Most Requested Stock Quotes

AT&T Inc Apple Warner Bros. Discovery Inc Ordinary Shares - Class A Microsoft Corp NVIDIA Corp

Most Requested Fund Quotes

Fidelity 500 Index Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Dodge & Cox Stock Vanguard Total Stock Mkt Idx Adm Vanguard Dividend Growth Inv

Most Requested ETF Quotes

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF Invesco QQQ Trust