Investing Insights

Daniel Sotiroff, a Senior Manager Research Analyst for Morningstar Research Services and editor of the ETF investor newsletter, dives into the world of covered-call ETFs. He explains their mechanics and why they're appealing to retirees seeking income. Sotiroff highlights the risks, especially for younger investors, and discusses the tax implications of holding these ETFs. He reviews popular options like the JP Morgan Equity Premium Income ETF and shares insights on their performance in 2025, emphasizing the importance of understanding fee structures.

Join Amy Arnott, a portfolio strategist from Morningstar Inc., as she dives into the nuances of dividend investing. She explains when reinvesting dividends can truly pay off and when it might be wise to cash out instead. Discover the tax implications of different accounts and the critical differences between taxable and non-taxable dividends. Learn about the importance of record-keeping and how your stock holding duration affects your tax outcomes. Amy offers valuable insights for long-term investors looking to optimize their strategies.

Michael Field, a European Market Strategist at Morningstar Holland, dives into the complex world of US-EU trade negotiations and the impact on market volatility. He discusses the implications of President Trump’s tariff delays and the potential consequences for European stocks. Field highlights which sectors may face tariff risks, while shedding light on the EU's push for lower tariffs across various industries. He also identifies promising investment opportunities in undervalued European stocks and shares insights on the market's outlook for 2025.

Sarah Hansen, a senior markets reporter at Morningstar, dives into the unpredictable landscape of Q3 2025. She explores the effects of tariff deadlines and legislative changes on market volatility. Hannah discusses how tariff uncertainty could impact company earnings and why investors should be wary of rising federal deficits due to new tax and spending bills. With the Fed's interest rate decisions looming, she emphasizes the need for a long-term investment focus, encouraging listeners to navigate market fluctuations with informed strategies.

Dominic Pappalardo and Philip Straehl, leaders at Morningstar Wealth, share their insights on international investing. They discuss how market volatility in 2025 has impacted US stocks and why international equities may be better bet right now. The duo highlights the importance of diversifying into emerging markets and undervalued global consumer stocks. They also explore the implications of rising bond yields and how US investors can navigate a weakening dollar by expanding their international exposure. A must-listen for savvy investors!

Lan Tran, a manager research analyst from Morningstar Research Services, shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of digital investment advice. She explains what robo-advisors are, detailing their benefits, like cost efficiency, and their limitations in personalization compared to traditional advisors. Lan evaluates the top robo-advisors for 2025, including Betterment, Fidelity Go, and Vanguard, while also cautioning about the pitfalls of lower-rated platforms like Titan Investor. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone exploring smarter investment options.

Bryan Armour, the Director of ETF and Passive Strategies Research for North America at Morningstar Research Services, shares his expertise on private equity and credit ETFs. He discusses the growing accessibility of private markets for everyday investors. Armour highlights the challenges in pricing private assets within ETFs and the need for transparency. He also explores how these investments can enhance diversification and reviews two notable funds. Lastly, he previews an upcoming conference that promises further insights from industry experts.

Amy Arnott, a portfolio strategist at Morningstar Inc. and co-author of the 2025 Diversification Landscape Report, dives into the resilience of the 60/40 portfolio amidst 2025's market volatility. She explores which asset classes are thriving and which ones are struggling, the growing interest in international stocks, and the rising yields on U.S. Treasuries. Arnott emphasizes the importance of diversifying strategies and adapting to macroeconomic changes, such as inflation, to optimize investment outcomes.

David Harrell, the Editor of Morningstar’s DividendInvestor newsletter and a dividend investment expert, dives into the secrets behind the coveted Dividend Growers list. He reveals 13 companies with impressive dividend growth, while discussing why some fell short. Harrell emphasizes the long-term benefits of dividend growth investing and the nuances of identifying undervalued stocks. He also touches on the sustainability of double-digit growth in dividends, providing insights for both seasoned and novice investors looking to enhance their portfolios.

Dan Lefkovitz, Morningstar Indexes strategist and columnist, explains how factor investing works. And he discusses which stocks outperformed and underperformed during this year’s market volatility.  What Is Factor Investing?What Factors Have the Strongest Performance Amid Market Volatility in 2025?Berkshire Hathaway and Other Low-Volatility Stocks Outperformed During Market VolatilityWhy Lower-Volatility Stocks Help With Capital Preservation in the Long TermWhich Factors Have Lagged the Broader Stock Market in 2025?Nvidia and Other Quality Stocks Underperformed During Market Volatility? How Factor Investing’s Performance in 2025 Fits Into Long-Term TrendsWhy Diversification Is Key When Investing in FactorsHow Often Should Factor Investors Check Their Portfolio?How to Position a Portfolio for Future Stock Market RotationsKey Takeaways Read about topics from this episode.  How Market Turmoil Made Low-Volatility Stocks Great AgainYou’re a Factor Investor. You Just May Not Know It YetPaying Attention to Investment Factors? You Should BeWhy You Shouldn’t Panic Over Daily Market SwingsWhy Quality Stocks Aren’t Doing Better This Year2025 Market Outlook: Markets Are Priced to Perfection, but Will It Last?Morningstar’s Guide to Diversification13 Charts on Q1’s Dramatic Rotation in Stocks3 Surprising Market Winners in 2025 What to watch from Morningstar. Worried About Inflation? What to Know Before Buying TIPS ETFsMarket Volatility: The Trade Deals That Could Calm Wall StreetBerkshire Hathaway's Annual Meeting Could Reveal Its Future PlansRetirees: Here's How to Tweak the 4% Rule to Protect Your Nest EggMarket Volatility: Which Investments Will Protect Your Portfolio in a Recession? Read what our team is writing:Dan LefkovitzIvanna Hampton Follow us on social media.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarInc/X: https://x.com/MorningstarIncInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningstar... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/5161/