Investing Insights

Preston Caldwell, senior US economist for Morningstar Research Services, discusses why the Federal Reserve made an aggressive interest-rate cut now. And what these lower rates mean for borrowers.Morningstar’s Take on the Federal Reserve’s First Interest-Rate Cut in 2024 What is the Neutral Rate of Interest?Was the Half-Point Interest Rate Cut as “Timely?” Risks that Could Cause Inflation to ReheatWhat Signs from the Job Market Could Spur the Fed into Action?Does the Fed’s Forecast for Interest-Rate Cuts Line Up with Morningstar’s Expectations?How the Housing Market Can Return to Affordability What Lower Interest Rates Could Mean for Credit Card BorrowersIs the Fed on Track to Avoid a Recession and Pull of a “Soft Landing”? Read about topics from this episode.  How Much Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates?Fed Rate Cut Shows the Main Battle Against Inflation Has Been Won What’s Next for the Markets and Economy After the Fed Rate Cut? Fed Cuts Rates by Half-Point in Aggressive Start to Easing Cycle What to watch fro

Christine Benz, Morningstar’s director of personal finance and retirement planning, interviews financial experts about different aspects of retirement in ‘How to Retire,’ the companion podcast to her book of the same name. In this episode, Christine sits down with Yahoo Finance columnist and author Kerry Hannon to talk through the benefits of meaningful work in retirement.Benefits of Working Past Traditional Retirement AgeWhat Does the Data Tell Us About People Who Work Longer?How to Make Working Longer a Part of Your Retirement PlanDealing With Age Discrimination in the WorkplaceHow You Can ‘Ask and Address’ Your Needs in RetirementKey TakeawaysMore from Kerry HannonBioYahoo Finance ColumnIn Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of WorkKerry Hannon on The Long View: Remote Work Trend Benefits Older Workers Read more from Christine Benz.I’m Not Ready for Retirement (but I’m Not Waiting)Lessons From Another ‘Faux-tirement’How to Determine Your Expected Retirement DateShould Working Longer Be a Part o

Dan Lefkovitz, Morningstar Indexes strategist, explains how following the money can reveal how exposed your portfolio is to geopolitical risks. Christine Benz, Morningstar Inc director of personal finance, is the author of the new book, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. Benz joins Investing Insights to discuss her new book and how to avoid easy-to-miss pitfalls of retirement planning. Is Globalization Waning?Why the U.S., China, and Japan Are Turning to Global IncomeBig Tech’s Influence on Global RevenueHow Nvidia Is Pushing the U.S. Stock Market to Be More GlobalCan Elections Influence the Revenue Picture for the U.S. Equity Market?Correlations Between Asset Classes in the U.S. and GloballyWhy Market Correlations Between Emerging Markets and Developed Markets Have Not RisenHow Revenue and Correlation Data Informs Portfolio DiversificationKey TakeawayPreview of The Week Ahead The Goal of Christine Benz’s New Book ‘How to Retire’How Spending Fluctuates Throughout Retire

Senior equity analyst Jaime Katz with Morningstar Research Services discusses consumer demand for recreational vehicles and the impact interest rate cuts could have on the industry. She breaks down Morningstar's outlook for Polaris and Malibu Boats, two undervalued manufacturers that have long-term growth potential.How Consumer Demand in the Recreational Vehicle Industry Has EvolvedWhat Factors Are Impacting Recreational Vehicle Companies?How Interest-Rate Cuts Affect Consumer Demand for Recreational VehiclesIs Recreational Vehicle Demand Correlated with Oil Prices?How Wealth and Market Activity Impact Consumer BehaviorWhat’s Behind Polaris and Malibu Boats’ Competitive Advantage?Polaris Stock OutlookMalibu Boats Stock Outlook Read about topics from this episode.  Stalled Boat Demand Leads to Profit Pressure at Malibu Despite Innovative Product LaunchesHoliday Visibility Low for Narrow-Moat Bath & Body Works as Consumers Spend With CautionThe 10 Best Companies to Invest in NowMalibu Boats Stock What to wa

Why the Employment Retirement Income Security Act Has Been SuccessfulHow Well Workers from Upper, Middle, and Lower Incomes are Saving for RetirementRetirement Savings by Race and EthnicityHow the Government and Employers Could Expand 401(k) Coverage  Improving Social Security  Would a National Retirement Savings Plan Replace Current Employer Plans?Do Investors Need Fiduciary Protections like ERISA Extended to IRAs?What’s At-Stake for Future Retirees  Read about topics from this episode.  The Time is Right for a National Retirement Savings PlanIs Fixing Social Security and Medicare as Dire as It Seems?Is There a Retirement Crisis?The Saver’s Match Could Be a Game Changer for Retirement Savings—Especially for Black WomenHow to Bridge a Retirement Shortfall What to watch from Morningstar.Mutual Funds Turn 100. Can Investors Still Count on Them?Too Many Investment Accounts? Here’s How to Reduce the ClutterNow’s the Time to Diversify Beyond Magnificent Seven Stocks3 Asset Classes That Could Raise Your Portfolio’s

Russ Kinnel, director of ratings for Morningstar Research Services, discusses mutual funds’ greatest achievement and their competition against ETFs.Mutual Fund Industry OutlookHow This Law Protects Investors Investing in Mutual FundsMutual Fund Market Timing Scandal  How Mutual Funds Can Stay Competitive to ETFsCompetition from Crypto ETFsAre Mutual Funds a Good Investment?Mutual Funds’ Greatest Achievement  Are Mutual Funds Here to Stay?Top Mutual Fund Picks Read about topics from this episode.  How to Find the Right Value Fund for Your Portfolio8 Fund Families the Mutual Fund Trading Scandal Changed Forever20 Years After the Market-Timing Scandal, the Fund Industry Focuses on Transparency but Lacks DisclosureETFs vs. Mutual Funds: The Benefits That Really MatterWinners and Losers In the Spot Bitcoin ETF Race What to watch from Morningstar.ADD NEW VIDEONow’s the Time to Diversify Beyond Magnificent Seven Stocks3 Asset Classes That Could Raise Your Portfolio’s Risk LevelWhy Picking Top Stocks Is Not Enough Re

3 Reasons Why Investors Should Streamline Their AccountsHow Low Can You Go with Retirement Accounts?How You Can Consolidate Tax-Deferred AccountsConsolidate Retirement Accounts with the Same ProviderThe Week Ahead in MarketsHere's What to Expect from Macy’s Upcoming EarningsWhat Investors Want to Hear from Macy’s CEOWhat Tanked Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management’s Offer to Macy’sMacy’s Is Focusing on Luxury Sales  Macy’s Stock Outlook Ahead of Earnings Read about topics from this episode.  5 Steps to Spring-Cleaning Your Investment Portfolio 5 Steps to a Minimalist Portfolio 8 Stock Picks in the Apparel Industry Keep up with Morningstar’s Q2 earnings season coverage here. What to watch from Morningstar.Now’s the Time to Diversify Beyond Magnificent Seven Stocks3 Asset Classes That Could Raise Your Portfolio’s Risk LevelbWhy Picking Top Stocks Is Not EnoughIs There a New Leader in the AI Race? Read what our team is writing:Ivanna HamptonChristine BenzDavid Swartz  Follow us on social media.Face

Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America for Morningstar Research Services, discusses why investors should consider diversifying beyond Magnificent Seven  stocks. Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, explains what caused the sharp stock market selloff. Preston Caldwell, senior US economist for Morningstar Research Services, explores whether the Federal Reserve needs to make an emergency rate cut.What Caused the Stock Market Selloff?U.S. Tech Stocks and Bank of Japan Raising Interest RatesGlobal Selloff and Big TechShould You Shift Your Portfolio Away from the Magnificent Seven Stocks?How the Magnificent Seven’s Outperformance Affects the U.S. and Global MarketsApple and NVIDIA: Why Their Products Are a Double-Edged SwordWhat Areas of the Market Are Poised for a Rebound?How Diversification Can Help Investors Stop Chasing the Magnificent SevenTop ETF Picks for Portfolio DiversificationWhen Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates?Will There Be an Emergency Interest Rate Cut Befo

Amy Arnott, a portfolio strategist for Morningstar Inc., explains why asset classes like REITs and high-yield bonds may raise a portfolio’s overall level of risk. She also discusses which areas investors should consider when building a diversified portfolio.Benefits of Diversifying Beyond U.S. Stocks and BondsWhich Asset Classes Didn’t Move in the Opposite Direction of Stocks?International Stocks Correlations Have Shifted Towards U.S. StocksShould You Have International Stocks in Your Portfolio?Commodities Stock PerformanceWhat Hurdles Could Commodities Face?Cryptocurrency's Correlation Trend and Role in Your PortfolioWhat Investors Need to Know About Private Market InvestingREITs vs Overall U.S. MarketBest Diversifiers for Investors to Add to Their Portfolio Read about topics from this episode.  3 Assets That Might Not Diversify as Well as You ThinkHow Did Diversified Portfolios Hold Up in 2023?Why Simpler Has Been Better for Portfolio DiversificationWhy More Diversification Doesn’t Mean Better ReturnsWhat H

Jack Shannon, senior manager research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses how often active fund managers succeeded in picking top stocks. He also explains whether this information can help investors find better funds.Are Fund Managers Good at Making Big Stock Bets?Fund Managers’ Hit RatesActive Fund Managers’ vs. Passive Index Fund Managers’ Stock Picking Performance  How an Active Mutual Fund Can Underperform Despite Holding Winning StocksHigh Hit Rates and Topping the IndexWhen High Hit Rates Matter More or LessCan Investors Set It and Forget It?Do-it-Yourself Investors Looking for Funds with High Hit Rates Read about topics from this episode.  Mutual Fund Managers Are Wrong More Than They’re Right Mutual Fund Manager Stock Hit Rates Betting Big on Stocks Rarely Beats Boring Investing 10 Stocks the Best Fund Managers Have Been Buying  What to watch from Morningstar.Is There a New Leader in the AI Race? BOXX ETF: Cash-Like Returns Without the Tax Bill Active ETFs: What Investors Need to Know

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc. markets reporter talks about what is driving the AI market rally, and what’s next for AI and the Fab Five. Sean Dunlop, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, explains how AI can innovate the restaurant industry. Travis Miller, energy and utilities strategist for Morningstar Research Services, discusses how utilities are powering AI through data center demand.  Should the AI Market Rally Broaden Its View?Who Is Driving the Fab Five’s Success?Will NVIDIA Remain the Leader in the Artificial Intelligence Race?Tech Companies Struggling to Keep Up with the Fab FiveAI OutlookCan AI Speed Up Tech Evolution?How Digital Adoption Can Grow Bottom Lines  Restaurant Industry Forecast for 2024Utilities Stocks: When Will the Market Give the Sector Some Respect?  Where Do Utilities Fit Into AI Growth?   Read about topics from this episode.  These Stocks Are (Still) Powering the Bull MarketAI Is Booming, but Consumer Spending Is Slowing. Which Will Prevail in the Stock Market

Manager research analyst Lan Tran with Morningstar Research Services breaks down the strategy of the Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF, how investors can take advantage of what it has to offer, and whether this fund is worth the hype.What Makes BOXX ETF Stand Out  What is a Box Spread?  Tax Advantages Is BOXX ETF Delivering on its Promises?Will BOXX ETF Attract Investors If Cash Yields Drop?How Investors Can Take Advantage of BOXX ETFWill There Be More ETFs Like BOXX?Key Takeaways   Read about topics from this episode.  This Bond ETF Promises T-Bill Returns Without Taxable IncomeAlpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETFA Tax-Aware Alternative to CashHow to Maximize the Tax Efficiency of ETFsThe Real Tax Magic of ETFs What to watch from Morningstar.Covered Call and Buffer ETFs: Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?How to Find a Great Dividend FundSPY Vs VOO: Which of Warren Buffett’s Two ETFs Are a Better Bet?Why are Active ETFs Everywhere, and Are Investors Abandoning Mutual Funds? Read what our team is writing:Lan Anh Tran

Morningstar Research Services’ Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America; Ryan Jackson, senior manager research analyst; and Daniel Sotiroff, senior manager research analyst discuss what’s driving the rapid of growth active ETFs and how their tax efficiency and lower costs make them an easy win for investors. The team joins host Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc. markets reporter, at the 2024 Morningstar Investment Conference.Active vs Passive ETFsWhat’s Driving the Growth of Active ETFs?Why Some Active ETFs Are More Successful Than OthersActive ETFs that Managers Have Shied Away FromWho Should Invest in Active ETFs?Misconceptions About Active ETFsTop-Rated Active ETFsWhat’s Next for Active ETFs? Read about topics from this episode.  Morningstar's Guide to US Active ETFsActive ETFs are Soaring. Should You Invest?3 Great Active ETFs for Bond InvestorsThe Best Active ETFs to BuyHere’s Why Active ETFs Are So Hot Right NowHow to Choose Great ETFs for the Long Term What to watch from Morn

Tom Lauricella, Morningstar’s global markets editor and Smart Investor newsletter editor, discusses how a strong economy has defied expectations, why it’s still worthwhile to invest in bonds, and what to watch for in the second half of 2024.How is the Market Reacting to the Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Forecast?Will the Economy Get a Soft Landing?Nvidia is Driving the Stock Market’s Bull RunNvidia Stock Outlook Why We’re Seeing More Stock Splits in 2024New Dividends From Mega-Cap Tech Companies What Could Provide a Lift to the Bond Market?Why Investors Should Still Own Bonds Key Takeaways  Read about topics from this episode.  Subscribe to Smart InvestorA Cautious Fed Eyes Just One Rate Cut In 2024 These Stocks Are (Still) Powering the Bull MarketWhat Does Nvidia’s Stock Split Mean for Investors? Job Gains Surged Again In May, Dashing Hopes of a Sustainable Slowdown It’s Been a Terrible Time for Bonds. Here’s Why You Should Own Them  What to watch from Morningstar.4 Reasons Why the Stock Market Has Deliver

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc. markets reporter, discusses why the stock market is up today and what could cause it to fall. Preston Caldwell, senior US economist for Morningstar Research Services, explains why he thinks the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates more than once in 2024.Should You Invest in Spot Ether ETFs?Lululemon on Track Despite Slowdown in AmericasThe Fed’s Inflation Outlook Is a Little Too PessimisticGood News from the Fed’s New Inflation ReportWill the Fed Cut Interest Rates in 2024?How Investors Can Interpret the Fed Lifting its Long Run Interest RateWhy Are Stocks Hitting Record Highs How the Growing US Economy Has Supported Stocks Impressive Performance  Is Inflation Finally Trending Down Again?Why Wall Street’s View of the Fed is ChangingWill Record Profits During Company Earnings Continue?What Risks Could Cause the Stock Market to Fall? Read about topics from this episode.  Spot Ether ETFs: Should You Invest? Lululemon Earnings: On Track to Meet Expectations Despite Slowdown In Am

Amy Arnott, portfolio strategist for Morningstar Inc, discusses why the classic 60/40 investment strategy beat a more diversified portfolio in 2023, and the positive that can come from interest-rate pivots.The Benefits of Portfolio Diversification  How Does the 60/40 Portfolio Hold Up Against a Portfolio with More Asset Classes?Why the Well-Diversified Portfolio Struggled in 2023Is it Worth it to Invest Beyond the 60/40 Portfolio?Why Interest Rate Pivots Are Painful and EncouragingIs There an Interest Rate Pivot Right Now?Do Bonds Still Provide a Diversification Benefit?Which Bonds are the Best Portfolio Diversifiers?The Role of Cash in an Investment PortfolioKey Takeaways Read about topics from this episode.  How Did Diversified Portfolios Hold Up in 2023? Why Simpler Has Been Better for Portfolio Diversification How Rising Interest Rates Change the Relationship Between Stocks and Bonds Which Bonds Provide the Biggest Diversification Benefit? Top 10 Things to Know About Building a Diversified Portfolio  What

Jack Shannon, senior manager research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about the mania around Destiny Tech 100 and how much investors are paying to own the closed-end fund compared with what it’s worth. Margaret Giles, Morningstar Inc editor, discusses how life-stage investing can help pre-retirees and retirees map their priorities.Nvidia’s 10-for-1 Stock SplitTarget’s Weak Sales and Declining Market ShareVanguard’s New CEO Starting Soon  Investing for Each Life StageFinancial Priorities When You Approach RetirementWhy Investors Should Think About Withdrawal Sequencing During Pre-RetirementWhy Retirees Struggle to Start Tapping Into Their PortfoliosFinancial Priorities When You RetireWhat Investors Need to Know About Destiny Tech100  Closed-End Funds vs Open-End FundsWhy Destiny Tech100’s Net Asset Value Premium is “Insane”Should Investors Own Destiny Tech100 Over Other Mutual Funds with Startup Stocks?Key Takeaways for Investors Read about topics from this episode.  Nvidia Earnings: AI Demand

David Harrell is the editor of Morningstar’s DividendInvestor newsletter. He’s also a miles and points enthusiast. He shares what he’s learned from his credit card points journey, including that miles and points aren’t so-called free money.Credit Card PointsHow Do Travel Credit Cards Work?Why Did Credit Card Companies Start Offering Rewards?Why Have Credit Card Programs Become a Part of Airlines' Business Models?Could Credit Card Companies Pull Back on Rewards?Surcharges with Credit CardsWhat is the Cost of Points and Miles?Should You Spend to Earn Rewards Without Paying Off Your Credit Card Bill Each Month?Spending vs Splurging  What to Know Before Researching Credit Card Rewards   Recommendations to Maximize Credit Card Rewards    Read about topics from this episode.  4 Lessons from My Credit Card Points and Miles JourneyWhy Do I Need a Credit Card?Best Financial-Services Companies to Own What to watch from Morningstar.Inherited IRA Investors Get Another Break, but the Clock Is Ticking on RMDsShort-Term Mar

Denise Appleby, IRA Quick Reference Guide author known as The IRA Whisperer, clears up the confusion about what the IRS waived concerning inherited IRAs in 2024. Travis Miller, energy and utilities strategist for Morningstar Research Services, talks about how the artificial intelligence boom is driving data center demand. He also points to 2 cheap utility stocks expected to benefit. Disney’s Improved Streaming Results  Uber’s Strong Financial Results in 2024Palantir’s Performance Led by AI PlatformOpportunities with Artificial Intelligence and Utility StocksUtility Stocks: When Will the Market Give the Sector Some Respect?Where Do Utilities Fit into AI Growth?How Higher For Longer Interest Rates Could Affect Utilities  Utility Stock Picks  New Rules for Inherited IRAsWithdrawals from Inherited IRAs and the 10-Year RuleImportant Distinction About What the IRS Waived in 2024Tax Implications for Inherited IRAs Will the IRS Suspend the Withdrawal Penalty for Inherited IRAs in 2025? Read about topics from this epi

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, discusses how today’s market volatility could benefit investors who are focused on long-term investing. Mark Miller, Retirement Reboot author, calls the Medicare changes in 2024 at the pharmacy counter “the best news that few people seem to know about.”   Apple’s Weak 2024 but Optimism for 2025Amazon’s Impressive First QuarterEli Lilly’s Better-Than-Expected Q1Medicare's Falling Prescription Costs Why Are Medicare Prescription Costs Dropping?How Spending Caps Affect SeniorsExpanded Access to Federal Assistance for Low-Income SeniorsWill Interest Rates Stay Higher for Longer?How Have Interest Rates Weighed on Stocks?How Fewer Interest Rate Cuts Could Benefit InvestorsKey Takeaway Read about topics from this episode.  Apple Earnings: A Weak 2024, but Optimism for 2025Amazon Earnings: AWS Growth Accelerates and Profit Margins ImproveEli Lilly Earnings: Strong Weight-Loss Drug Sales Expand MarginsI’m 65 and Still Working. Should I Enroll in Medicare?What Hot Inflati