Intercontinental Exchange Inc

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We believe companies with moats from switching costs and intangible assets are less vulnerable.

Financial transactions are the most obvious application, but there are other opportunities as well.

For the first time since the recession, all OECD-tracked countries are growing at the same time. And that presents opportunities.

Volatility will be a negative for some traditional asset managers, while investment banks and exchanges should benefit from higher trading levels.

Shares the beleaguered pharma firm may look cheap, but investors should remain very cautious. Meanwhile, Berkshire pulls off decent results under less-than-ideal circumstances.

StockInvestor editor Matt Coffina reviews the recent additions and subtractions to Morningstar's Wide Moat Focus Index as well as his current favorites among index constituents.

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Readers said they were unclear on what certain financial jargon means, so we're providing a few more definitions.

Acquisitions are helping the exchange operator tap other revenue sources.

Increasingly bullish sentiment means investors must pick their spots carefully.

Volatility could return to the financial sector in the second half of 2013.

Morningstar's Gaston Ceron addresses the short- and long-term prospects for and opportunities in ICE's takeover of NYSE Euronext.

Investors should continue to pick their spots carefully in the financial-services space.

The potential upside might outweigh the downside risk.

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