Investing Insights

Amy Arnott, Morningstar Inc. portfolio strategist, discusses which investments have performed best and worst in past recessions. Gold prices are rising during the current market volatility. Arnott explains why it might not be the best time to buy the precious metal. Key Takeaways:Why Current Market Volatility May Not Be Ending SoonHow to Keep Yourself Steady During Market VolatilityHow Investors Nearing Retirement Can Avoid Sequence-of-Return Risk During Market VolatilityHow Retirees Can Mitigate Market Volatility Using the Bucket ApproachWhich Asset Classes Have Performed Best and Worst During a Recession?   What Investors Should Keep in Mind Before Going for Buying GoldWhy It’s Better to Own Large Companies During an Economic SlowdownWhy Consumer Defensive Stocks Have Been Resilient During Recessions   What Sectors Have Been Hit the Hardest in Past Recessions?Create an Investment Plan and Stick to It During Market Volatility   Read about topics from this episode.  Best Investments to Own During a RecessionMorningstar’s Take on Tariffs: Stock Impacts, Portfolio Tips, and MoreWhat We’ve Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market CrashesA Down-Market Survival Guide for Pre-RetireesA Down-Market Survival Guide for RetireesHow to Use Gold in Your PortfolioHow to Keep Your Cool in a Volatile MarketWhat Do Tariffs and Increased Recession Risk Mean for Banks?What Tariff Volatility Means for the Consumer Defensive SectorWhat Bucket Investors Should Do in Down MarketsIt Feels Different This Time—but It Probably Isn’t What to watch from Morningstar. Market Volatility: What Lies Ahead in Trump’s Trade WarMarket Volatility: What to Watch in Q2 After Big Swings in Q1Does it Pay to Copy Congress’ Stock Trades?Can Healthcare Stocks Keep Outperforming the Market?  Read what our team is writing:Amy ArnottIvanna 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/

Dominic Pappalardo, Chief Multi-Asset Strategist at Morningstar Investment Management, tackles the U.S.-China trade war's impact on global markets. He outlines the implications of Trump’s 90-day tariff pause and rising recession risks. Pappalardo discusses why fixed income and equities react differently to market turmoil and offers strategies to safeguard retirement portfolios amid volatility. He also shares insights on potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and what investors should keep on their radar for future market movements.

Sarah Hansen, a senior markets reporter at Morningstar Inc., dives deep into the tumultuous market swings of early 2025. She explains the vital differences between the stock market and the economy, emphasizing how recent declines shifted investor focus from growth to value stocks. Hansen discusses the potential repercussions of tariffs on market growth and consumer prices and highlights the growing interest in gold as a safe haven. She also stresses the importance of portfolio diversification amid ongoing volatility and recession fears.

Zach Evens, a passive strategies analyst for Morningstar Research Services, dives into the intriguing world of Congressional stock trades. He discusses two ETFs that track these trades, analyzing why investors might consider them. The conversation highlights the stark differences in investment strategies between Democrats and Republicans, particularly their tech stock preferences. Zach also points out the potential risks and limitations of relying on congressional data, urging caution for those exploring these thematic funds.

Karen Anderson, Director of healthcare equity research at Morningstar Research Services, dives into the robust performance of healthcare stocks during market volatility. She discusses the significant influence of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and their future in biopharma. The conversation highlights how regulatory changes and demographic shifts, particularly an aging population, shape investment opportunities. Anderson also contrasts valuation approaches within the healthcare sector and shares her insights on potential picks for savvy investors.

Russ Kinnel, a senior principal of ratings at Morningstar Research Services, shares his expertise on fund analysis and portfolio diversification. He discusses the importance of the downside capture ratio for mitigating risks during market sell-offs. Kinnel highlights safe investment options, such as low-risk funds and bank loan funds to combat interest-rate fluctuations. He also explores unique strategies like arbitrage and emphasizes the significance of diversification, especially for risk-averse investors.

Sheryl Rowling, editorial director for financial advice at Morningstar Inc, discusses the financial and tax issues that could come up during and after a gray divorce.Limiting the Financial Impact of a Gray DivorceHow to Budget After DivorceWhat to Do if There’s a Budget Shortfall Social Security Divorce BenefitsGray Divorce Near RetirementWill a New Tax-Filing Status Result in Higher Taxes? How to Fairly Split Assets in Divorce How to Avoid Tax Penalties When Dividing Retirement AccountsPros and Cons of Keeping the Family HomeSelling the House and Downsizing After DivorceWhy Hire Professionals to Help with a Gray Divorce  Read about topics from this episode.  Gray Divorce: 10 Financial and Tax Issues You Must Know After 50Maybe You Shouldn’t Delay Taking Your Social Security Benefits After AllSix Retirement Withdrawal Strategies That Stretch Savings6 Retirement Financial Myths to AvoidWhat You Need to Know About Capital Gains DistributionsHow to Choose a Financial Advisor What to watch from Morningstar. Why the Bond Market Looks Brighter Than It Did in 2022Where to Find Bargain Stocks in an Expensive Market These 4 Dividend ETFs Strike the Right Balance for Income Investors Vanguard Fee Cuts May Be Small, But They’re a Win For Investors Read what our team is writing:Sheryl RowlingIvanna 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/ 

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.

David Harrell, Editor of Morningstar’s StockInvestor newsletter, dives into stock valuation trends and identifies hidden bargains in a pricey market. He reveals insights from a watchlist of 120 stocks, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond general market trends. Discussion includes the evolution of the Morningstar Style Box, findings on undervalued mega-cap stocks like Apple and NVIDIA, and an analysis of small-cap stocks. Harrell also highlights high-growth stocks achieving impressive scores, providing valuable tips for savvy investors.

Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America at Morningstar, specializes in ETF investing and shares his insights on dividend strategies. He breaks down the balance between income generation and long-term growth in dividend ETFs. Armour highlights four top-rated ETFs from Vanguard and Schwab, discusses the importance of factor investing, and explores the risks associated with dividend income strategies. Get ready to optimize your investment approach with his expert analysis!