Investing Insights

Russ Kinnel, a senior principal of ratings for Morningstar Research Services, shares insights on selecting standout mutual funds. He discusses the creation of a thrilling funds list that helps investors navigate a crowded market. Kinnel highlights foreign large growth funds from Fidelity with unique strategies, as well as funds poised to rebound in the healthcare sector. He also addresses risks, the importance of strategic screening, and fixed-income investment options, providing valuable tools for investors refining their portfolios.

Investors are piling into global gold ETFs for a safe haven from uncertainty. Demand surged in the first half of 2025, according to a new report from the World Gold Council. The industry trade group points to geopolitical turmoil, global trade policies, and higher gold prices for driving interest in these ETFs. The lure of investing in gold ETFs can vary from wanting to diversify a portfolio, hedge against inflation risks, or simply bet on rising prices. Bryan Armour explains what you should know about this speculative asset. He’s the director of ETF and passive strategies research for North America at Morningstar Research Services. On this episode:What are gold ETFs, how many types are there, and how do they work? The World Gold Council says there was strong demand for global gold ETFs in the first half of 2025. How much money has flowed in and out of these ETFs, and what’s your take on that?How have gold ETFs held up against market volatility in 2025? How does it compare with other periods of uncertainty? Let’s talk about your recent article about how to choose the right gold ETFs. You pointed out that a two-month launch difference helped create a big gap in assets between the two largest gold ETFs. Can you talk about the rivalry between SPDR Gold Shares GLD and iShares Gold Trust IAU?You listed those two ETFs and several others as top gold ETFs in your article. What makes one of these ETFs different from the other? What should investors zoom in on to find the right ETF for them? How do trading costs affect buy-and-hold investors and day traders differently?The IRS applies a different tax treatment to gold than stocks or bonds. What should investors know? What are the best gold ETFs, and why?Let’s quickly pivot to another speculative asset. People sometimes refer to bitcoin as digital gold. Is that a fair comparison? How has it performed so far this year?Would you say gold ETFs or bitcoin has served as a better hedge?Read about topics from this episode.  Digging for Gold With ETFs 5 Tips for Trading ETFs How to Use Gold in Your Portfolio Commodities vs. Gold: Which Is the Better Inflation Hedge? 3 ETFs to Diversify Your Portfolio Diversification Landscape: Building Diversified PortfoliosMorningstar′s Guide to ETF Investing  What to watch from Morningstar. Why Bonds Belong in Your Diversified Portfolio (Even Now) Covered-Call ETFs Are Booming. But Not All Yield Is GoodThis Dividend Investing Strategy Deserves a Second LookMarket Volatility: Is Your Investment Portfolio Ready for a US-EU Trade Deal? Read what our team is writing.Bryan ArmourIvanna 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/

In this insightful discussion, Paul Olmsted, a senior manager research analyst at Morningstar Research Services, dives deep into the current bond market's dynamics. He highlights how rising yields are making bonds attractive again, especially as diversifiers during stock market sell-offs. Olmsted addresses key concerns, including inflation and interest rates, while explaining strategies for navigating today's market volatility. He also sheds light on speculative fears surrounding the Federal Reserve and the importance of maintaining a balanced portfolio.

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.