Investing Insights

Is There a New Leader in the AI Race?

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Dunlo...

BOXX ETF: Cash-Like Returns Without the Tax Bill

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Manager research analyst Lan Tran with Morningstar Research Services breaks down the strategy of the Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF, how investors ...

Active ETFs- What Investors Need to Know

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Morningstar Research Services’ Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America; Ryan Jackson, senior manager research analys...

What a Strong Economy Now Means for the Rest of 2024

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Lauricella, Morningstar’s global markets editor and Smart Investor newsletter editor, discusses how a strong economy has defied expectations, wh...

4 Reasons Why the Stock Market Has Delivered Impressive Performance

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc. markets reporter, discusses why the stock market is up today and what could cause it to fall. Preston Caldwell, senior ...

Why More Diversification Doesn’t Mean Better Returns

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Arnott, portfolio strategist for Morningstar Inc, discusses why the classic 60/40 investment strategy beat a more diversified portfolio in 2023, a...

Invest in SpaceX Alongside Elon Musk? Why This Closed-End Fund Is Not Worth the Ride

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Shannon, senior manager research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about the mania around Destiny Tech 100 and how much investors ...

Maximize Credit Card Points for Better Trips and Rewards

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

David Harrell is the editor of Morningstar’s DividendInvestor newsletter. He’s also a miles and points enthusiast. He shares what he’s learned f...

Inherited IRA Investors Get Another Break, but the Clock Is Ticking on RMDs

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Denise Appleby, IRA Quick Reference Guide author known as The IRA Whisperer, clears up the confusion about what the IRS waived concerning inherited IR...

Short-Term Market Volatility Could Provide Long-Term Investing Opportunities

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, discusses how today’s market volatility could benefit investors who are focused on long-term investi...

Magnificent Seven Stocks: What’s Going on With Apple, Tesla, and Alphabet?

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, explains why Apple and Tesla are diverging from the rest of the Magnificent Seven stocks. Also, detail...

Covered Call and Buffer ETFs: Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Netflix’s Incredible First Quarter  United Flew Just Above Morningstar’s Expectations  An Investing Guide for Every Life StageWhat is Life-Sta...

Make These Investing Moves Now for a Better Tax Day in 2025

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sheryl Rowling, editorial director for financial advice for Morningstar Inc, talks about four strategies to practice tax-efficient investing all year....

3 Cheap Stocks to Watch in the Fight Over Sports Streaming

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew Dolgin, senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about why companies are focusing on sports streaming as competition hea...

How to Find a Great Dividend Fund

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Sotiroff and Todd Trubey, senior manager research analysts for Morningstar Research Services, discuss what makes a great dividend fund, the trade-...

The 4% Retirement Rule is Just a Starting Point

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Rekenthaler, vice president of research for Morningstar Research Services, explains how Morningstar’s study confirmed the 4% retirement rule an...

New Dividend Stocks: Can Meta and Salesforce Help Revive the Classic Strategy?

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

David Harrell, editor of Morningstar DividendInvestor newsletter, explains why some income-focused investors may skip adding two new dividend stocks, ...

Self-Made Millionaire Tori Dunlap Embraces Mission to Make Women Rich

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tori Dunlap, the author of Financial Feminist, talks about why women should stop feeling guilty about their spending and why they should keep their fi...

What’s Surprising Some Retirees About Their Social Security Benefits?

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Miller, author of Retirement Reboot, explains why Social Security benefits are taxable, and how a bill aiming to eliminate taxes on Social Securi...

SPY Vs VOO: Which of Warren Buffett’s Two ETFs Are a Better Bet?

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Walmart shares are overvalued, but Nvidia and Home Depot are fairly valued. Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway released its 13F for Q42023, and only...

How to Get the Most Out of Your Bond Investments

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Maciej Kowara, strategist for Morningstar Research Services, and Alec Lucas, director of manager research for Morningstar Research Services, talk abou...

Walmart Stock Split and Earnings Are Coming Up. What to Expect.

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Noah Rohr, equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, explains how Walmart’s stock split will work, and what he’s looking for in the retail...

Should You Bet on Online Gambling Stocks Now?

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wasiolek, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the exciting opportunity to invest in gambling stocks. Larry Swedro...

When Will the Fed Finally Cut Rates?

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Interest rates could likely be coming down, we discuss when, and we also talk about how much an ETF costs. And as the Magnificent Seven results start ...

Could Company 401(k)s Go the Way of IBM?

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Rekenthaler, vice president of research for Morningstar Research Services, discusses IBM’s 401(k) plan change and why many workers would want s...

Why Now Is the Time for Value Investing

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, talks about different scenarios that could provide a boost to value investing in 2024. Bryan Armour, d...

AI Can Help Restaurants Innovate, But Will It Deliver Profits?

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Dunlop, an equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about how some restaurants are using artificial intelligence to tailor their m...

Betting Big on Stocks Rarely Beats Boring Investing

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Shannon, a senior manager research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, explains why some active fund managers’ bets on their highest con...

5 Pieces of Good News for Investors as 2023 Wraps Up

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Lauricella, Morningstar Inc’s global markets editor and Smart Investor newsletter editor, discusses some of this year’s biggest headlines incl...

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett Built Berkshire Hathaway to Thrive After They’re Gone

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, discusses why optimism and worry loom over the holiday shopping season. Gregg Warren, strategist for M...

Why are Active ETFs Everywhere, and Are Investors Abandoning Mutual Funds?

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With interest rates likely to stay on the higher side, investors should realize that there is money to be made in rates staying higher for longer, and...

Timing the Market Doesn’t Work — We Did the Math

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Fleck, director of research for ratings and ESG for Morningstar Research Services, explains why market-timing underperforms a hands-off strategy....

Make the Most of Your HSA Benefits and Investments in 2024

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Margaret Giles, Morningstar Inc editor, discusses how to use HSA benefits and the 2024 HSA contribution limits. Greg Carlson, Morningstar Research Ser...

Headwinds Hold Airlines Back, But Check Out These Travel Stocks for the Holidays

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nic Owens, industrials equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses how Southwest is preparing to avoid another holiday travel meltdown...

Higher Bond Yields and Interest Rates Are Here to Stay

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hansen, Morningstar Inc markets reporter, explains the new normal of bond yields and interest rates and where investors can find fixed-income op...

New iShares Target-Date ETFs Provide Different Retirement Saving Path

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Megan Pacholok, Morningstar Research Services senior manager research analyst, discusses BlackRock’s iShares target-date ETFs and how they compare t...

5 Scary Stocks for You to Avoid This Halloween

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Morningstar Research Services’ equities strategist Eric Compton talks about the U.S. banking sector after earnings, and we tal...

Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Miller, “Retirement Reboot” author, explains the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and why timing is important...

Falling Mutual Fund and ETF Fees a ‘Big Win for Investors’

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America at Morningstar Research Services, discusses how investors and financial adviso...

TikTok: Risky Tax Advice and Supersize Valuations

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tax expert Ed Slott explains why following some tax advice on TikTok could lead to an IRS audit. Jack Shannon, Morningstar Research Services’ senior...

Payment Pause Ends: Student Loan Expert Shares Repayment Tips

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Betsy Mayotte, founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, explains the benefits of federal student loan repayment plans, and the loophole that...

UAW Strike Raises Investor Risks

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Also, why Morningstar thinks the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates earlier than projected.Dave Whiston, U.S. autos equity analyst for Morningsta...

3 of the Best Robo-Advisors, and One of the Worst

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Morningstar Research Services’ Amy Arnott, portfolio strategist, and Gabe Denis, senior manager research analyst, discuss how the lines are blurring...

Stocks to Consider as the U.S. Pushes to Reclassify Cannabis

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Morningstar Inc’s investment specialist Susan Dziubinski highlights three dividend stocks, while Kristoffer Inton, consumer eq...

From “Ripped Off” to a “Better Deal” – How Investors Fared Since the Market-Timing Scandal

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Russ Kinnel, director of manager research for Morningstar Research Services, talks about the 2003 mutual fund scandal that resul...

Economy Outshines ‘Uneventful Earnings’

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode notes: In today’s episode, Tom Lauricella, Morningstar Inc’s chief markets editor, talks about the strong economy and where investors can ...

Microsoft Bets Big on AI: What Investors Should Know, Part Two

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, Dan Romanoff, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about Microsoft’s AI advantage and its clos...

Microsoft Bets Big on AI: What Investors Should Know, Part One

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

: In this two-part episode, Dan Romanoff, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about Microsoft’s AI advantage and its cl...

Interest-Rate Forecast: What’s Next?

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Preston Caldwell, senior U.S. economist for Morningstar Research Services, explains why he thinks the Federal Reserve is done ra...

What To Do With Your Cash Right Now

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Madeline Hume, a NEXT senior research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about how high cash rates will affect bon...

Nasdaq 100 Rebalance: What It Means for Your Portfolio

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Ryan Jackson, a manager research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about how the Nasdaq 100 rebalancing will affe...

Hiring a Financial Advisor? Honesty Counts (With Yourself, Too)

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Morningstar Inc’s Dr. Danielle Labotka, behavioral scientist, and Sam Lamas, senior behavioral researcher, explore the emotion...

Firing Your Financial Advisor? When To Stay, When To Go

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Morningstar Inc’s Sam Lamas, senior behavioral researcher, and Dr. Danielle Labotka, behavioral scientist, discuss the importa...

Spot Hidden Crypto Stocks and Funds in Your Portfolio

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Manan Agarwal, quantitative analyst for Morningstar Research Services, explains why cryptocurrencies aren’t hedges against sto...

Midyear Market News: 'Unusual' Stock Rally and Today’s Sticky Inflation

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Tom Lauricella, Morningstar Inc’s chief markets editor and Smart Investor newsletter editor, talks about the hype versus reali...

Turning a ‘Hard No’ Into Financial Freedom

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Kiersten and Julien Saunders, rich & REGULAR podcast hosts and authors of “Cashing Out,” discuss how they made FIRE work for...

Gain From the Weight-Loss Trend With These Stocks

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone’s been talking about the drug semaglutide, used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It’s marketed under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and now, M...

Double Trouble: How the Dot-Com and Tech Bubbles Compare

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Jack Shannon, equities strategies senior analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about why active fund managers seemed ...

What to Do as Recession Fears Grip Investors

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Miller, a Morningstar contributor, and author of “Retirement Reboot,” discusses the debate over whether HSAs are the ri...

Just Where’s the U.S. Economy Headed?

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Preston Caldwell, senior U.S. economist for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the U.S. debt ceiling, banking sector crisi...

Active ETFs Take Off –– 3 Ideas for Investors

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America for Morningstar Research Services, discusses what costs ...

Berkshire Hathaway: 4 Questions and 5 Cheap Stocks

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Gregg Warren, a senior stock analyst for Morningstar Research Services, talks about Berkshire’s excess cash and whether the fi...

Morningstar Investment Conference: Recession Risks and the Markets

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Russ Kinnel, director of manager research for Morningstar Research Services, and Tom Lauricella, chief markets editor for Mornin...

Planning to Retire Soon? Flexibility and Spending Count

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Leslie Norton, Morningstar Inc’s editorial director for sustainability, talks about Earth Day 2023 and sustainable investing. ...

Where Can the Automotive Industry Go From Here?: Part Two

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, Dave Whiston, U.S. autos equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the industry’s outlook and two cheap ...

Where Can the Automotive Industry Go From Here?: Part One

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, Dave Whiston, U.S. autos equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the industry’s outlook and two cheap ...

How Do Vanguard’s Target-Date Funds Stack Up?

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Seth Goldstein, equities strategist for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the global forecast for electric vehicle expans...

Why the Nasdaq 100 Isn’t a Particularly Good Investment

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think buying any one of the major U.S. indexes is a good bet, but we tell you why the Nasdaq 100 isn’t a particularly good investment, a...

Why the Banking Crisis Is a Big Deal

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Travis Miller, an energy and utilities strategist for Morningstar Research Services, discusses the potential earnings growth for...

Where to Invest: Stocks or CDs?

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Allie McCallion and Charity Blue, members of Morningstar Inc’s sustainability team, discuss pay equity and three undervalued c...

Is Berkshire Hathaway Stock a Buy After Rocky Results?

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Jakir Hossain, a data journalist for Morningstar Inc., talks about the AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, and where to look for AI inv...

Should You Fund Your 401(k) First or Your IRA?

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Later this year, Vanguard’s hybrid ETF/MF patent is expiring, and this is likely to affect the fund market. We’re positive on Kraft Heinz and Cisc...

With IRA Deadline Looming, Don't Make These Mistakes

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Keith Reid-Cleveland, an editor at Morningstar Inc., discusses Morningstar’s research on the racial wealth gap and a proposal ...

Could Meta Make a Comeback?

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America at Morningstar Research Services, talks about how SPDR S...

How Secure Act 2.0 Changes RMD Rules

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Dan Wasiolek, Morningstar Research Services’ senior equity analyst, discusses Morningstar’s travel outlook and cheap travel ...

Should You Buy a House Right Now?

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Real Estate is a hot topic for investors everywhere, but is a home the best possible investment right now? Plus, we’ve raised the fair value estimat...

Big Banks Bracing for a Recession

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Eric Compton, a strategist with Morningstar Research Services, talks about banks saving for an economic downtown and where inves...

Create a New Financial Plan for the New Year: Part 2

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, Sarah Newcomb, director of financial psychology for Morningstar Inc, explains how to rethink budgeting, overcome overspendin...

Create a New Financial Plan For the New Year: Part 1

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part episode, Sarah Newcomb, director of financial psychology for Morningstar Inc, explains how to rethink budgeting, overcome overspendin...

Stock and Bond Markets’ Wild Ride in 2022

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Tom Lauricella, Morningstar Inc.’s chief markets editor, discusses the markets’ highs and lows in 2022 and what investors sh...

RMD Sticker Shock? How to Ease Your Tax Burden

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Alyssa Stankiewicz, associate director of sustainability research from Morningstar Research Services, and Megan Pacholok, manage...

Top Retail Stocks on Sale This Holiday Season

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Dave Sekera, chief U.S. markets strategist for Morningstar Research Services, reveals which stocks investors could snap up for a...

Should You Buy Dividend Stocks in a Recession?

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Will dividends continue to do well in a rising interest-rate environment? Plus, Bob Iger is CEO of Disney again, and Visa has a new CEO, too. And spea...

Retiring Soon? Make Sure to Check Your Asset Allocation

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, Christine Benz, the director of personal finance at Morningstar, talks about portfolio makeovers and how to spot common pitfa...

Rising Interest Rates Make Bond Ladder ETFs More Appealing

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 In today’s episode, Saraja Samant, a manager research analyst for Morningstar Research Services, explains how investing in defined-maturity ETFs c...

Cheap Stocks For You to Consider

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does COP27 mean? Does it matter for you and your portfolio? Leslie Norton explains. Investing Insights has a new look and host! We’re bringing...

What to Buy or Skip: I Bonds, Apple, Amazon, or Meta

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Katherine Lynch, a Morningstar Inc’s data journalist, talks about the new I Bonds’ interest rate, how the investments work, ...

Buy an Annuity Now? And How to Spot Financial Tricks Online

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Sarah Newcomb, Morningstar Inc’s director of financial psychology, explains what investors should know about sophisticated onl...

Where to Park Your Cash and Find Recession-Resistant Stocks

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Ali Mogharabi, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, explains the Labor Department’s proposed rule about ...

Markets are Undervalued, and We Highlight Some Cheap Stocks!

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Retirement plans across the country may finally be getting serious about adding more annuity options for their subscribers. But is this product good f...

We Examine Tesla's Stock and the Risks of a Strong Dollar

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Dave Whiston, the U.S. autos equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses CarMax’s disappointing earnings resul...

When's the Best Time for a Roth IRA Conversion?

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Neil Macker, a senior equity analyst for Morningstar Research Services, discusses why Netflix is adding a cheaper plan and wheth...

Will Investors Ready, Set, Go for the Porsche IPO?

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No matter how much inflation rises, we’ll still need utilities, right? That’s what many investors think, and that has helped propel utilities stoc...

High Inflation Shifts Focus to the Expected Federal Reserve Interest-Rate Hike

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Climate Week NYC is coming. In today’s episode, Kris Inton, an equity strategist for Morningstar Research Services, explains how carbon offsets ...

New iPhone Can't Make Apple's Stock Shine

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Investing Insights has a new look and host! We’re bringing you a mix of market news, insights from analysts, and personal finance tips. In today’s...

Beware of Buying Low in a Bear Market

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Investing Insights has a new look and host! We’re bringing you a mix of market news, insights from analysts, and personal finance tips. In today’s...