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Investing Insights

Investing Insights

Morningstar, Ivanna Hampton, Sarah Hansen 203 Episodes Oct 9, 2026

A thoughtful look at investing opportunities and risks beyond the market headlines, plus personal finance and retirement tips, from Morningstar.

Episodes

The Smartest Moves for Bond Investors Today, and What to Do When You Have Too Many Investments
The Smartest Moves for Bond Investors Today, and What to Do When You Have Too Many Investments Oct 9, 2026 00:16:40 We have a special episode for you this week. The author behind the popular Ask the Analyst column on Morningstar.com is coming to the table. Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy Arnott is going into the mailbag to answer readers’ questions about bonds, including TIPS and other portfolio matters. Submit your question to the Ask the Analyst column created and written by Morningstar's Amy Arnott
14 Elite Funds and ETFs, and 5 Popular Funds That Just Missed the Mark
14 Elite Funds and ETFs, and 5 Popular Funds That Just Missed the Mark Oct 2, 2026 00:12:39 The menu of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds can appear to go on and on, and it’s probably hard not to feel overwhelmed when you’re researching what works for your portfolio. A popular annual feature in Morningstar’s FundInvestor newsletter narrows the choices from thousands to about a few dozen. Russ Kinnel has done the hard work for you and is here to share investment ideas from his Thrill
Why Are Some of the Strongest Stocks Struggling This Year?
Why Are Some of the Strongest Stocks Struggling This Year? Sep 25, 2026 00:11:38 Are wide-moat stocks’ struggles a sign of their protection diminishing? That’s the big question from the Q3 issue of Morningstar magazine. Key market moments this year heavily weighed on some stocks with competitive advantages. Why did they stumble? Morningstar magazine Editor-in-Chief Jerry Kerns is returning to Investing Insights to discuss this issue’s cover story. Sign up for a free subsc
Don’t Make This Mistake When Chasing Higher Bond Yields
Don’t Make This Mistake When Chasing Higher Bond Yields Sep 18, 2026 00:15:55 Higher bond yields are attracting more attention and more money. US bond ETFs pulled in almost $54 billion in August. Core and core-plus bond ETFs make up about $8.5 billion of that. These funds tend to provide shelter during market storms to ease a portfolio’s rocky moments. They also provide steady and predictable income. As bond rates sit higher than they have in the past, how can you benefit w
How AI Is Taking Over Your Portfolio
How AI Is Taking Over Your Portfolio Sep 11, 2026 00:18:55 he dominance of artificial intelligence is swelling globally. Its massive growth is weighing heavily on stock markets, pressuring bond markets, and even growing to outsized proportions in emerging markets. These developments are increasing concentration risks in everyday investors' portfolios. What should you look for, and how do you guard against the AI surge? Tom Lauricella is Morningstar's chie
401(k) Millionaires: Here’s How to Avoid Going Broke in Retirement
401(k) Millionaires: Here’s How to Avoid Going Broke in Retirement Aug 28, 2026 00:13:25 Becoming a 401(k) millionaire can require decades of hard work and sacrifice. Previously, a seven-figure nest egg shined as the gold standard among retirement planners. But the shine has dulled as a portfolio of that size no longer guarantees the same security. What steps should you take to protect your savings and avoid going broke in retirement? Sheryl Rowling has a list of tips. The certified p
New ETFs Are Launching Fast. Proceed With Caution
New ETFs Are Launching Fast. Proceed With Caution Aug 21, 2026 00:15:32 New exchange-traded funds are sprouting up quickly. In 2025, more than 1,000 ETFs launched. The crop included promising funds as well as those taking on unnecessary risks. The field could expand soon to include hundreds of riskier ETFs. As investment choices evolve, how can everyday investors spot what’s a good fit for their portfolio?  Dan Sotiroff is the associate director of US passive strategi
Why Playing It Safe in Retirement Can Backfire
Why Playing It Safe in Retirement Can Backfire Aug 14, 2026 00:15:51 Will you give yourself permission to fully enjoy your nest egg? Many retirees spent years saving to enjoy this chapter of their lives, but when they finally get there, a lot of them hold back. Of course, lavish spending can be a problem in retirees' golden years. But so can not spending enough! New Morningstar research has found retirees often withdraw their money very conservatively, even when th
Why Do Active Funds Lag Even With Winning Picks?
Why Do Active Funds Lag Even With Winning Picks? Aug 7, 2026 00:13:20 Picking winning stocks is just part of the battle to beat an index. Active managers make investing moves when opportunities arise or dry up. They also rely on a team of analysts and state-of-the-art tools to help them uncover the next big investment idea. Yet, an in-depth dive into the top 100 largest active US stock funds reveals most active managers earn lower returns than their index. So, what
Target-Date Funds With Annuities Are Gaining Ground. Is That Good for Your Retirement Plan?
Target-Date Funds With Annuities Are Gaining Ground. Is That Good for Your Retirement Plan? Jul 31, 2026 00:11:37 Guaranteed income in retirement sounds pretty nice, but what are the trade-offs to make it happen? Several big asset managers offer target-date funds with built-in annuities. However, it's difficult to compare one against another because their strategies tend to differ. And retail annuities' dubious reputation has set up a hurdle for mass adoption. But recent important developments could clear the
AI ETFs Are on the Rise. Are They Worth the Risk?
AI ETFs Are on the Rise. Are They Worth the Risk? Jul 24, 2026 00:15:56 It's hard to escape the artificial intelligence hype. It's everywhere. Companies are adopting AI into their processes. Many people are talking to chatbots. And investors are making bets on which firms or themes will win. But do you need to own an AI ETF to benefit from the boom? Or do you already have enough exposure? Morningstar's associate director of US passive strategies research Dan Sotiroff
Don’t Leave Tax Savings on the Table: How to Conduct a Midyear IRA Checkup
Don’t Leave Tax Savings on the Table: How to Conduct a Midyear IRA Checkup Jul 17, 2026 00:10:57 Consider getting your IRA in shape this summer instead of waiting for the calendar to flip to next year. A midyear checkup could help you optimize your retirement account to benefit from its tax advantages sooner than later. Morningstar's FundInvestor newsletter has highlighted investment ideas for folks who want to keep it simple, maximize tax advantages, or strive for capital appreciation. Morni

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