Investing Insights

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

  1. 5D AGO

    Vanguard Is Entering a New Era. Can It Keep Winning for Another 50 Years?

    Will Vanguard’s next 50 years live up to its first half century? The popular investment firm counts millions of everyday investors among its clients. Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji joined the firm from its rival, BlackRock. Ramji is influencing Vanguard’s direction while keeping the overall mission intact. But the company continues to evolve under the new leadership, with a greater emphasis on advice and the launch of new funds. This episode is the first of a two-part series examining what’s going on with Vanguard in 2026. Dan Sotiroff, Vanguard analyst and the associate director of US passive strategies research for Morningstar, joined Investing Insights. Vanguard Investors Cleaned Up https://www.morningstar.com/funds/vanguard-investors-cleaned-up On this episode:   00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:28 Vanguard’s New Era Under CEO Salim Ramji 00:02:56 Vanguard Splits Into Two Investment Advisors 00:07:17 Analyst’s Thoughts on the Firm’s SEC Scrutiny and Fine 00:10:03 Seeking ETF Share Class Approval for Active Funds 00:12:01 New Active Equity ETFs and Coverage Outlook   Watch more from Morningstar: These 8 Funds Could Help Steady Portfolios During Rough Markets Why Bond Funds Benefit from Active Management These Top Tech Stocks Can Stand Up to AI Risks     Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min

  2. APR 3

    These 8 Funds Could Help Steady Portfolios During Rough Markets

    Too many funds and stocks in a portfolio can create clutter and make rebalancing time-consuming. Allocation funds such as balanced funds can make it easier to stay diversified and invested during market volatility. That’s because these funds automatically rebalance, moderating big gains and losses. And the funds can provide exposure to more than one security type and market. Russ Kinnel, senior principal of ratings for Morningstar and editor of Morningstar FundInvestor newsletter, discusses his list of the best balanced and allocation funds. Subscribe to Morningstar FundInvestor newsletter. On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:00:48 Balanced funds and market volatility 00:01:18 Who allocation funds are designed for 00:03:30 Foreign exposure in Vanguard Global Wellesley Income fund 00:04:40 Dividend income focus at Vanguard Global Wellington and American Funds Capital Income Builder funds 00:05:22 Inflation‑protection strategies in Pimco and T. Rowe Price funds 00:07:45 Key takeaways on balanced and allocation funds   Watch more from Morningstar: Why Bond Funds Benefit from Active Management  These Top Tech Stocks Can Stand Up to AI Risks 2 Cautionary Tales from Private Equity and Private Credit Markets   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    11 min

  3. MAR 27

    Why Bond Funds Benefit from Active Management

    Active management can still win in the bond market. Opportunities abound for active managers to best their passive peers and benchmarks. And here’s why: they have access to tools, asset classes, and flexibility that their competition does not. Right now, the bond market is ripe for them to succeed. A deep dive in Morningstar Magazine’s first quarter 2026 issue makes the case why everyday investors should consider adding active bond funds to their portfolio. Eric Jacobson, senior principal of fixed-income strategies for Morningstar, and Maciej Kowara, principal of fixed income strategies for Morningstar, co-authored the article. Subscribe to Morningstar Magazine to read independent investment research for free. On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:33 Why Active Management Still Works in Bonds 00:02:25 Who Trades in the Bond Market 00:03:18 Finding Inefficiencies in Fixed Income 00:04:26 When Passive Bond Funds Can Hurt Investors 00:06:01 How to Spot a Good Active Bond Fund 00:08:10 What Gives Active Managers an Edge   Watch more from Morningstar: These Top Tech Stocks Can Stand Up to AI Risks 2 Cautionary Tales from Private Equity and Private Credit Markets Are You Ready for Tax Day? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You File   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    16 min

  4. MAR 20

    These Top Tech Stocks Can Stand Up to AI Risks

    The stock market has cooled on stocks caught up in the whirlwind of artificial intelligence. Fears over whether AI will disrupt a variety of sectors have triggered big sell-offs. Morningstar equity analysts have investigated 132 companies to determine whether that’s the case. They have concluded that AI is not a universal destroyer. The team thinks investors should sort through the wreckage and find newly cheap companies with enduring competitive advantages. Eric Compton, director of equity research for the technology sector at Morningstar, tells you where to look. Moat Ratings Guidebook Amid AI Disruption  On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:28 What are Moats, and How Does Morningstar Use Them? 00:04:11 In-Depth Analyst Review of 132 Companies 00:06:27 Why Cybersecurity Holds Up 00:10:02 Why Design Software Looks Resilient 00:13:10 How Financial Data Benefits From AI 00:15:32 Finding Opportunity After AI Selloffs     Watch more from Morningstar: 2 Cautionary Tales from Private Equity and Private Credit Markets Are You Ready for Tax Day? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You File Avoid This IRA Distribution Error to Protect Your Retirement Cash   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min

  5. MAR 13

    2 Cautionary Tales from Private Equity and Private Credit Markets

    Two high-profile cases in the public-private markets are testing boundaries and investors. ERShares Private-Public Crossover ETF’s stake in illiquid holdings, including SpaceX, has apparently run afoul SEC rules. Meanwhile, a high-flying alternative assets manager has changed the rules for returning investors’ cash from one of its funds. And Blue Owl Capital is now facing backlash. Lessons From a Private Markets Bust: Why This ETF’s Investors Missed Out on SpaceX Gains  Subscribe to the Public Meets Private newsletter.  On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:24 How XOVR ETF Differs From Typical ETFs 00:02:11 XOVR ETF Performance Versus Broader Stock Market 00:02:48 Why XOVR’s SpaceX Stake Swung Sharply 00:09:56 Blue Owl Capital’s Origins and Current Problems 00:13:25 Who Invests in Blue Owl’s Direct Lending Funds 00:18:09 Investor Lessons From Blue Owl’s Redemption Halt Watch more from Morningstar: Are You Ready for Tax Day? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You File Avoid This IRA Distribution Error to Protect Your Retirement Cash Elevate Your 60/40 Portfolio With These Simple Tweaks   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min

  6. MAR 6

    Are You Ready for Tax Day? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You File

    Tax day is quickly approaching, and it’s time to get organized. New tax rules might make it worth your while to itemize rather than take the standard deduction this year. And don’t just file away your 1099 forms—they can offer valuable insight into your portfolio’s tax efficiency. Christine Benz, Morningstar’s director of personal finance and retirement planning, discusses what you need to consider before, and after, you file. Morningstar’s Tax-Planning and IRA Resources for 2026 On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:15 The "Procrastination Penalty" of Last-Minute IRA and HSA Contributions 00:02:35 How to Decide Whether to Itemize or Claim the Standard Deduction 00:04:18 Tips for Itemizing 00:05:37 Other Deductions You May Qualify For 00:07:45 Insights from Your 1099 Forms: Dividends  00:10:40 Insights from Your 1099 Forms: Capital Gains 00:09:39 Insights from Your 1099 Forms: Tax-Exempt Interest 00:12:35 How to Avoid Overpaying Your Taxes   Watch more from Morningstar: Avoid This IRA Distribution Error to Protect Your Retirement Cash  Elevate Your 60/40 Portfolio With These Simple Tweaks Why REIT ETFs Still Work as Real Estate Slumps   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    15 min

  7. FEB 27

    Avoid This IRA Distribution Error to Protect Your Retirement Cash

    A distribution from your traditional IRA could cost you if you’re not aware of your responsibilities. Many investors are saving up for their retirement in workplace accounts like 401(k)s. Those administrators handle tasks that IRA custodians don’t. And it’s up to you to take charge and keep track of your hard-earned money, so you’re not taxed twice. Denise Appleby is known as “The IRA Whisperer.” The Morningstar contributor has written about how to protect your IRA from costly mistakes. Don’t Pay Taxes Twice: Here’s How to Save Thousands on IRA Distributions https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance/dont-pay-taxes-twice-heres-how-save-thousands-ira-distributions On this episode: 00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:28 What is a Traditional IRA and How It’s Funded 00:02:29 How IRA Withdrawals Are Taxed When Accounts Hold Taxable and Tax-Free Dollars 00:05:36 What IRA Custodians Don’t Track and Why Investors Should  00:09:05 What to Check on Form 1099‑R and Why Form 8606 Matters 00:12:02 How to Fix IRA Mistakes 00:13:44 What Records to Keep Track of to Avoid Double Taxation   Watch more from Morningstar: Elevate Your 60/40 Portfolio With These Simple Tweaks Why REIT ETFs Still Work as Real Estate Slumps How to Make the Most of Your IRA in 2026   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min

  8. FEB 20

    Elevate Your 60/40 Portfolio With These Simple Tweaks

    The 60/40 portfolio has proven it’s here to stay, but it can benefit from a refresh like other classics. The total portfolio approach refines the 60/40. It takes a closer look at the components of the plain-vanilla portfolio and considers how risky they are. The goal is to help investors stay disciplined as market conditions change for the better or worse. Jason Kephart has written about the total portfolio approach. He’s a senior principal of multi-asset  manager research for Morningstar. How a Total Portfolio Approach Can Improve the 60/40 Portfolio  Morningstar’s Tax-Planning and IRA Resources for 2026 On this episode:  00:00:00 Welcome 00:01:20 Total Portfolio Approach vs 60/40 Portfolio 00:01:52 How Growth and Stability Work 00:03:30 Why High-Yield Bonds Wouldn’t Go into Stability 00:04:30 Stocks That Might Be Better Suited for Stability than Growth 00:06:52 Challenges of the Total Portfolio Approach 00:08:49 How Investors Can Use This Strategy Watch more from Morningstar: Why REIT ETFs Still Work as Real Estate Slumps How to Make the Most of Your IRA in 2026 3 Winners and 3 Losers from Emerging-Market Funds’ Big Rally   Follow Morningstar on social: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/ X https://x.com/MorningstarInc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/morningstarinc/?hl=en LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/morningstar/posts/?feedView=all Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Information

  • Channel
    Morningstar
  • Creator
    Morningstar
  • Years Active
    2008 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Morningstar, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Investing Insights

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