Dan Lefkovitz

Dan Lefkovitz, a Morningstar index strategist and dividend investing expert, discusses the current landscape of dividend stocks. He highlights the impact of the stock buyback boom on dividend yields and explains why the U.S. dividend stocks lag behind international ones. Listeners learn how to identify potential dividend cuts using key metrics like payout ratios and economic moats. Dan also names undervalued stocks and anticipates that 2026 could see a notable shift favoring dividend investors.

Dan Lefkovitz, a Morningstar Indexes strategist, shares insights on avoiding dividend traps, defining them as risky payouts tied to company fundamentals. He explores how Dow Chemical's unsustainable dividend led to a significant cut and highlights warning signs from other brands like Shell and Walgreens. Dan Kemp, Chief Research and Investment Officer, discusses the lagging performance of healthcare and consumer defensive sectors, attributing it to political challenges and high valuations. Both emphasize the importance of understanding portfolio fundamentals.

Dan Lefkovitz, a Morningstar Index strategist and dividend investing expert, shares insights into the current landscape of dividend stocks. He discusses why U.S. dividend stocks have lagged while international ones have thrived, attributing it to market dynamics and the stock buyback boom. Listeners learn to identify potential dividend cuts using key metrics and explore undervalued stock picks like Merck and Pepsi. Lefkovitz also outlines why dividend growth investing is often undervalued and predicts a favorable outlook for dividends in 2026.

Dan Lefkovitz, a strategist at Morningstar Indexes, sheds light on the evolving bond market, discussing its recovery signs post-2024 interest rate cuts. Philip Straehl, Chief Investment Officer at Morningstar Wealth, emphasizes the risks of owning Restricted Stock Units and the necessity of diversification for total wealth. They explore the bond market dynamics, stressing bonds' stabilizing role amid market fluctuations. The conversation also addresses how personal financial goals play a crucial role in tailoring investment strategies to mitigate risks.

Dan Lefkovitz, a strategist at Morningstar Indexes, analyzes how geopolitical risks shape portfolio exposure. Christine Benz, personal finance expert and author, discusses her new book on retirement strategies. They dive into the importance of recognizing global revenue sources for better portfolio diversification. Benz emphasizes the often-overlooked value of safe investments and inflation protection in retirement planning. They also highlight how social relationships play a crucial role as we age, advocating for community over mere housing stability.