Investing Insights

Learn what questions to ask before hiring a robo-advisor or traditional financial advisor.

Despite notorious hacks over the past year, the proportion of fraudulent transactions has actually decreased.

Investors with a long-term focus can find great opportunities. More than a dozen stocks are trading at rarely seen discounts.

We also list our fund and dividend picks.

Our team also dives into rising interest rates, 529 plans, and retirement planning.

Get the facts about 529 plans and advice for college graduates.

In this special bonus episode, we’re pleased to present Morningstar CEO, Kunal Kapoor’s keynote address from the recent Morningstar Investment Conference. Search for “Morningstar Investment Conference 2022” for information on how to get all the conference content.

Morningstar's 2022 Investing Excellence Award winners share what they’ve learned from prior market crises.

Morningstar analysts also share their insights into exceptional ETFs and dividend stocks.

A Morningstar analyst shares insights into the REIT industry and top dividend stocks.

A Morningstar analyst shares his thoughts on Berkshire's recent moves ahead of the company’s annual meeting.

Morningstar's analysts also discuss bond fund performance, RMD tips, and the bucket approach. 

Morningstar's 2022 Diversification Landscape Report dives into stocks in 2022’s market landscape and gives you a path forward.

And Christine Benz shares why now is a good time to get your financial documents in order.

Our analysts also share their insights on American target-date funds and utility stocks.

Our analysts also share their insights on target-date funds and which streaming service has the better stock for investors.

The tax expert fills us in on what we need to know and what we need to avoid this tax season. 

Our analysts also share their insights into commodity prices and how to earn more on safe money.

Our analysts also share their financial To-Do list for March.

Our analysts also share their insights on stock mixes in your portfolio.

Our analysts also share their insights on what to expect for stocks and bonds.

Our analysts also share their tips on IRA contributions as Tax Day approaches.

Our analysts also share their insights on financial planning in February.

Our analysts also share their insights on portfolio planning in today’s rocky markets.

Our analysts also share their insights on dividend stocks in 2022.

Our analysts also share issues that retirees should look out for in 2022.

Our analysts also share your financial to-do list for January and insights on the 60/40 Portfolio in 2021.

Our analysts also share tips for retirees in today’s market and more.

Learn about this investment vehicle and some of our top picks. 

Our analysts cover the basics, give advice for clients, and explore Bitcoin ETFs.

Morningstar analysts also warn investors about greenwashing.

Our analysts also talk about our tips for RMD season and what you should know about CITs.

Our analysts also talk about our November financial to-do list and fund capital gains distributions in 2021.

Our analysts also talk about struggling growth funds and tax planning tips.

Our analysts highlight upcoming tax changes and HSAs.

Our analysts also discuss how to increase your savings rate and what your financial focus should be this month.

Our analysts also highlight Vanguard’s fund ratings, payout ratios, and early retirement.

Catch up on the highlights from Morningstar’s CEO and Investing Excellence Award Winners.

In this bonus episode of “Investing Insights,” Seth Goldstein, senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about the rapid electric vehicle adoption worldwide. Driss Lembachar, transportation and infrastructure manager for Sustainalytics, lays out what it would take for EV adoption to happen sustainably. Welcome to “Market X-Ray.” Our new podcast looks at investment opportunities and risks beyond the market headlines.  Want to hear more? Let us know at podcast@morningstar.com.

Our analysts also cover their powerful and durable fund picks.

The tax- and retirement-planning expert prepares us for upcoming changes and decisions.

Our analysts also touch on long-term care planning and shorting ETFs.

Our analysts also share their bond and stock fund picks.

Our analysts also discuss undervalued, up-and-coming picks.

Our analysts also touch on direct indexing, pre-retirement tips, and tax strategies. 

Our analysts also cover cannabis stocks and indexing.

Our experts also touch on RMDs and the qualities that make a fund stand out.

What role does the finance industry play in the racial wealth gap?

In this bonus episode of “Investing Insights,” Dave Sekera, chief U.S. market strategist for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the infrastructure debate in Washington and the companies that could benefit from new spending. Welcome to “Market X-Ray.” Our new podcast looks at investment opportunities and risks beyond the market headlines. Want to hear more? Let us know at podcast@morningstar.com.

Our analysts catch you up on what you need to know. 

Our analysts also touch on cryptocurrency and inflation.

Our analysts also talk about IPOs they like and target index changes.

Our analysts also talk about highly rated funds picks and alternative investment vehicles.

Our analysts also catch us up on recent fund flows, inflation protection strategies, and thematic funds.

Ready to hit the road? We explore what opportunities exist for investors hoping to benefit from pent-up travel demand amid a wave of reopenings in the U.S.

Hear from our Chief U.S. Market Strategist and our staff of analysts about these popular stocks.

Our analysts take a closer look at diversification, inflation, and financial gifts.

Our analysts also discuss how Biden’s capital gains tax plan could affect investors, the changes to Morningstar’s world-stock categories and the bargain price for a powersports leader.

Our analysts also touch on May financial tasks, how to help loved ones with finances, and cryptocurrency trends in the mutual fund space. 

Our analysts also discuss Berkshire Hathaway and withdrawing from your retirement portfolio.

Our analysts also touch on model portfolios and active fund performance.

Our analysts also cover ESG investing and the 2020 market crash.

Our analysts also catch us up on how the healthcare and energy sectors performed last quarter.

Our analysts also touch on charitable contributions and financial tasks for April.

Our analysts also take a closer look at trends in target-date funds and stretch IRAs.

Our analysts also take a closer look at the software industry, rising bond yields, and retirement plan options.

Our analysts also highlight overlooked stocks, fund manager changes, and tax season tips. 

Our analysts also talk about cryptocurrency and contributions to make in March.

Our analysts also touch on the benefits of target-date funds and HSAs during tax season.

Our analysts also discuss new stocks in our coverage, ETFs for IRAs, and how to create a budget.

Our analysts also share stocks they like in the liquid biopsy and telecom markets.  

Our analysts also touch on independent refiners and the current low-interest-rate environment.

Our analysts also discuss ETF conversions, the opportunity in Teladoc, and uranium prices.

Our analysts also cover portfolio withdrawals and equity exposure in retirement.

Our analysts also touch on financial goals and to-do lists.

Our analysts also cover retirement planning in 2021 and investing apps.

We round up some of the top insights from our analysts in 2020.

Our analysts also discuss three overlooked stocks and tax strategies for 2020.

Our analysts also address the tax efficiency of ETFs, direct giving, tax strategies, and liquidity in investing.

Our analysts also highlight 2020’s market rotation, the uncertain shopping season ahead, and the importance of ESG investing.

This week on the podcast, we’re pleased to present a special bonus interview between Morningstar Editor In Chief Nic Owens and Stuart Lucas, author of "The Taxable Investor’s Manifesto."

Our analysts also touch on overlooked stocks, open enrollment season, foreign stocks, and our new ESG Commitment Level.

Our analysts also discuss portfolio makeover week trends, the hunt for yield, struggling funds.

Our analysts also touch on highly rated funds, funds that received significant downgrades and upgrades, and the hype surrounding Tesla.

Our analysts also highlight the subjectivity of indexes, our 2020 Outstanding Portfolio Manager award winner, and the outlook for Rolls-Royce.

We also discuss the coronavirus with Pimco's Mohit Mittal and break down the basics of the most popular college savings plans.

Our analysts also cover how the healthcare, technology, and energy sectors performed last quarter.

Our specialists also address how election results could impact policy and what to expect from mutual funds in the fourth quarter.

Our analysts share dividend-paying stock picks, compare asset growth, and discuss women's unique needs as investors.

Our director of policy research discusses the election, the candidates, and the potential outcomes with Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report.

Our analysts also discuss the criteria for Medalist ratings and encourage investors to avoid changing their portfolios around the election.

Our specialists also highlight two undervalued stocks and share what stock three of our favorite managers added to their portfolios.

Our analysts also highlight technology stocks in China and discuss how actively managed funds have been performing.

We also find trends in U.S. investor returns and tips for navigating a bear market.

We also touch on retiring during a pandemic and adding international funds to your portfolio.

We also discuss early retirement during a pandemic, options for extra cash in a crunch, and the top funds for income seekers.

Our specialists also touch on 60/40 portfolios, momentum investing, and stocks with sluggish dividend-growth potential.

Our specialists also dive into what bonds are best for retirees and what role treasuries should play in a portfolio.

We also touch on our Awards for Investing Excellence, strategic-beta funds, and withdrawal strategies.

We also touch on two stocks we have on our radar and Amazon’s size and strengths.

Our specialists also analyze the performances across several sectors and the opportunities they found.

Our analysts also cover proxy voting, fund fee trends, and foreign large value funds.

Our specialists also touch on promising utility stocks and REITs.

Our specialists discuss the economic and medical progress being made during the pandemic.

Our specialists explore dividend investing, low yields, and personal finance to-do lists.

Our specialists analyze the risks and rewards of value investing, strategies for retirees, and the market valuation.

Our analysts uncover predictable dividends in multi-industrials, investing mistakes to avoid, and strategies for young investors.

Our analysts cover the most recent bond fund sell-off, IRA conversions during volatility, and the pandemic’s effect on the food industry.

Our director of personal finance answers the money questions that investors of all life stages are asking.

We examine help from the state treasury office, update our returns forecasts, and discuss ESG ETFs.

Our specialists touch on market surprises, financial to-do's while stuck at home, and which funds held up against the bear market.

Our analysts discuss how the communication and industrials sectors have been impacted by the pandemic and the latest fund flows report.

Listen to our specialists’ take on how to remain healthy and invested in a volatile market.

Our analysts weigh in on dividend growth funds and how today is different from the 2008 crisis.

Our analysts provide insights on the municipal-bond market, dividend-paying stocks, and the telecom industry.

Listen for our insights on market movements and analysis on which sectors are undervalued.

Listen for our insights on ETFs, hotel REITs, and the market.

Listen to our specialists’ takes on enduring market volatility.

Listen to our specialists’ takes on tips for your IRA and how to handle a volatile market.

Listen to our takeaways from large-cap pharma earnings, Oakmark’s strength in stock-picking, and why we raised Intuit’s fair value estimate.

Listen to the latest about the Morningstar Prospects, investing in gold, and healthcare through an ESG lens.

Hear more on analysts’ takes on dividend opportunities in real estate sector and tech’s valuation trends; pro and cons of dividends versus buybacks; and the traits of successful asset managers.

Gain insight into banking industry’s position in this economic cycle, and how to diversity with options among mid-cap equity funds.

Christine Benz recaps bucket portfolios in 2019, and learn how to choose a short-term bond fund.

Insights into Fidelity’s highs and lows in the past year, and why Kraft Heinz is worth another look.

Insights into housing and utilities sectors.

And more on evolution of foreign stock index funds.

We discuss the boutique firm Diamond Hill and explain our new factor tool.

We discuss how charitable giving can improve your portfolio and trends in bond index investing.

Welcome to the Investing Insights Podcast from Morningstar.com. We’re taking a brief holiday hiatus and will return to publishing on Friday, December 6th. In the meantime, listen to Morningstar’s flash briefing on your Alexa-enabled device. Six days a week we deliver the latest news for investors. Just say, “Alexa, enable the Morningstar skill,” or visit Morningstar.com/alexa. From everyone here at Morningstar, thanks for listening.

We highlight dividend opportunities in telecom and share our stance on Sherwin-Williams.

We breakdown Vanguard’s view on ETF trends and what makes United Rentals attractive. 

We examine muni bonds, utilities, and Teva’s shares.

We examine withdrawal strategies for retirees and electric vehicles.

ETFs for low yield environments and insight on energy sector’s future.

Learn what to watch for with capital gains distributions and ways to play in the video game space.

Funds that favor wide moats, fixed-income performance, and an undervalued biotech name.

A stock pick from the packaged food aisle, and why emergency funds are necessary for retirement.

Sustainability in fixed income, saving differences by gender, and a bargain in CenturyLink.

We examine REITs and Wells Fargo, and, for retirees, tax-planning and volatility.

We look into funds that are worse than they look and examine Wyndham Hotels shares.

In this week’s podcast, we examine CVS, American Funds' equity lineup, and recession concerns.

On this week's podcast, dividend stocks, foreign investing, and the prospects of a recession.

On this week's podcast, custody banks, the costs of poor timing, and Ariel's take on the market.

In this week's episode; we're talking tech stocks, social security options, lower-risk foreign funds, and more.

On this week's podcast, a high-quality stock to watch, the popularity of passive funds, and what makes data centers attractive.

In this week’s podcast, our analysts share three of their favorite bold bond funds, special guest Tim Steffen from Baird provides financial tips for gig economy workers, Brett Horn on what M&A means for payment processors, Christine Benz and Brian Moriarty discusses whether floating-rate funds are a fit for your portfolio, Ben Johnson on the pitfalls of market-cap weighted indexing, and Kris Inton with Morningstar’s outlook on cannabis stocks.

We’re airing a special edition of the podcast this week. Morningstar Director of Personal Finance Christine Benz talks with Russ Kinnel, Director of Manager Research and editor of Morningstar Fund Investor, about some of his favorite funds across a variety of different investment categories.

In this week’s podcast, our analysts talk about three great funds having a lousy year; special guest Mary Beth Franklin discusses the clever Social Security strategy that’ll be phased out next year; Debbie Wang puts LabCorp under the microscope; Christine Benz talks with special guest Carolyn McClanahan about planning and paying for long-term care; Alex Bryan shares three off-the-beaten-path ETFs; and RJ Hottovy examines Amazon’s future beyond Prime Day.

In this week’s podcast, our analysts share three funds managed by great up-and-comers; guest Ed Slott covers divorce, taxes and retirement planning; Tom Lauricella discusses key considerations for today’s bond investor; Christine Benz explains how to create a hands-off portfolio in retirement; Erin Lash gives her take on Campbell’s new recipe for profitable growth; and guest Mark Miller talks about Medicare pitfalls.

In this week’s podcast, Josh Aguilar on whether 3M is a good stock for dividend seekers, Christine Benz discusses what’s missing from her streamlined 3-funds portfolios, Nick Watson with an attractive small-cap value fund, Russ Kinnel shares his three favorite actively managed world-stock funds, Matthew Dolgin offers a best idea in networking, and Alex Bryan with three diverse funds for yield seekers.

In this week's podcast, funds run by topnotch managers, an excellent deep value fund, and cheap oilfield services companies.

In this week’s podcast, Dan Wasiolek shares his favorite dividend-paying stocks in the travel and leisure industry, Christine Benz talks with Baird’s Tim Steffen about how to fix Social Security, Russ Kinnel with three of his favorite mid-cap funds, Dan Romanoff on why we like undervalued Guidewire, Dan Sotiroff on some solid broad foreign index funds from Fidelity, and Karen Andersen on what the elimination of rebates could mean for drug manufacturers.

On this week's podcast, mad-money ideas, frontier markets, and QCD mistakes to avoid.

In this special edition of the podcast, we highlight what managers and practitioners had to say at the 2019 Morningstar Investment Conference.

This week on the podcast, we are celebrating Morningstar’s 35th Anniversary with a roundtable discussion between founder and executive chairman Joe Mansueto, Morningstar managing director Don Phillips, and Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor about Morningstar’s past, present and future. Stay tuned after the discussion for a brief video about what it means to us to empower investor success.

This week on the podcast, our analysts take a look at three funds that’ve been downgraded due to manager losses, Christine Benz discusses whether retirees need bonds, Abhinav Davuluri takes a look at earnings in the semiconductor industry, Ben Johnson discusses Morningstar’s latest research about fund fees, Dan Culloton talks about a promising international fund on our radar, and Gregg Warren discusses Berkshire Hathaway’s valuation.

On this week's podcast, low-volatility ETFs, a pick among California utilities, and funds for retirees.

This week on the podcast, Christine Benz shares three equity funds from her model portfolios for retirees, Damien Conover reveals what he expects from big pharma this earnings season, special guest Michael Kitces talks about the role likability plays when choosing an advisor, Sarah Bush explains why a well-liked bond fund was recently downgraded, Eric Compton discusses what bank earnings say about the health of the economy, and Russ Kinnel shares four of his favorite niche funds.

On this week's podcast, special guest Michael Kitces on sequence of return risk, a good world-allocation fund, and new retirement legislation.

This week on the podcast, Russ Kinnel discusses the dominant performance of growth strategies during the first quarter, Sarah Bush talks about the bond market’s performance so far this year, Ben Johnson recaps the first quarter in ETFs, Christine Benz on how to manage cash in retirement, Jake Strole with a high-quality yet undervalued insurer, and our analysts share 3 good funds having a great year.

This week on the podcast, Chris Higgins on Defense and aerospace dividend opportunities; a Gold-rated target-risk series from Vanguard; Dan Sotiroff on Passive Foreign-Stock Funds; Christine Benz on the tax benefits of health savings accounts; two funds to consider for non-US exposure; and Dave Whiston on auto sales this year.

This week on the podcast, Ali Mogharabi on what Lyft is worth, Christine Benz with fixed-income ETFs for retirees, Ariel’s John Rogers with two of his favorite mid-cap stocks, Brian Moriarty on the state of the high-yield bond market, Eric Compton with ratings changes in the bank sector, and Christine Benz with IRA contribution tips for later in life.

This week on the podcast, Christine Benz with tips for last-minute IRA contributions, Damien Conover with undervalued health-care stocks with secure dividends, Russ Kinnel with the recipe for finding “fantastic” funds, Erin Lash with high-quality and underpriced packaged goods stocks, Alfonzo Bruno with a strong inflation hedge from Vanguard, and Ariel’s John Rogers on the changing face of value investing.

This week on the podcast, our experts offer their mutual fund and ETF ideas for funding an IRA.

This week on the podcast, Christine Benz with 3 ideas for IRAs; Eric Compton sees an attractive dividend opportunity with Wells Fargo; Beth Foos on a Bronze-rated muni fund with a solid team; Erin Lash thinks Kraft Heinz is undervalued despite bad news; Alex Bryan with 4 ETFs for IRAs, and Jaime Katz on how the slowing housing market affects Home Depot and Lowe’s.

This week on the podcast, 3 new Morningstar Medalists; Christine Benz with 4 hidden benefits of Roth IRAs; A pending manager departure for T. Rowe Price High Yield; Allergan’s future looks promising; and Ben Johnson says index funds aren’t all passive

This week on the podcast, our analysts’ takes on Coca Cola and Cisco results; Christine Benz suggests three strategies for generating cash flow in retirement; Travis Miller highlights 3 utilities for income investors; Jon Hale talks about the growth of sustainable investing; Mark Cash gives his take on Dell stock; and Alex Bryan shares a low-cost ETF with a focus on strong businesses.

This week on the podcast, our analysts’ takes on Alphabet, GM, and Disney results; Christine Benz suggests three investment ideas for an IRA; Sarah Bush examines Bill Gross’ legacy; R. J. Hottovy takes a look at Starbucks; Ed Slott on obscure IRA rules; and Russ Kinnel gives his take on active funds during a downturn.

This week on the podcast, our stock news roundup with PG&E, Apple, Facebook, and Caterpillar; an upgrade for T. Rowe Price New Horizons; Greg Warren on wide-moat asset managers; dividends among tobacco firms; Russ Kinnel on Jack Bogle, and from our Portfolio Tuneup week, Christine Benz on streamlining your portfolio and setting your asset allocation.

This week on the podcast, our earnings roundup with Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble, Netflix, and IBM; Ed Slott on missed RMDs; what the government shutdown means for the debt ceiling; Russ Kinnel on investment themes for 2019; 3 gold-rated small-cap index funds to consider; and how to build a solid portfolio foundation.

On this week's episode, we put together a collection of clips from our interviews with Jack Bogle over the years.

This week on the podcast: Russ Kinnel on the year in funds; three newly reopened funds for the new year; Baird’s Tim Steffen on tax reporting missteps; a bank-loan fund pick; a well-positioned software firm; and bargain in the banking sector.

On this week's episode, we examine Apple’s revenue warning, Procter & Gamble’s progress, top dividend picks and how Fidelity and Vanguard fared over the last year.

On this week's episode, we look at Johnson & Johnson, beating the market, and bucket maintenance.

This week on the podcast: Ed Slott on RMD mistakes to avoid; evaluating fund laggards; why electricity demand is about to get a jolt; Gold-rated funds that are taking a beating; bond funds that should benefit from a flight to quality; and analyzing slowing home sales.

Our analysts discuss China, Exxon, fund winners and losers, and healthcare stocks on this week's episode.