Simple, but Not Easy

Philip Straehl, Chief Investment Officer at Morningstar, shares insights on navigating investment strategies for the 2026 landscape. He emphasizes that preparation is more crucial than predictions, focusing on building resilient portfolios against volatile markets. Topics include the U.S. market's split personality, emerging market opportunities, and the evolving AI landscape. He also highlights potential risks associated with AI hype and the benefits of a contrarian checklist for spotting mispricing in investments.

Zach Evans, a manager research analyst at Morningstar who specializes in ETFs and passive investment strategies, dives into the shifting landscape of small-cap investing. He explains how private markets are claiming opportunities once available in public stocks, leading to small-cap underperformance. Zach discusses the impact of regulatory changes on accessibility, the risk factors associated with small caps, and how volatility differs by market cap. Finally, he explores potential catalysts for reversing current sentiment toward small caps and the challenges active managers face in this changing environment.

In this episode of Simple But Not Easy, we’re joined by Ryan Murphy, Morningstar’s Global Head of Behavioral Insights, to explore how financial advisors can help clients set better goals, avoid costly mistakes, and build lasting trust. We discuss why goals—not asset allocation or stock selection—should be the true starting point of an investment journey, and how a simple multi-step framework can uncover what really motivates clients. Ryan also shares insights from Morningstar’s Mind the Gap study, which shows how investor behavior often drags down returns, and explains how advisors can reframe conversations from performance to progress. If you want to better understand what drives investor decisions and how advisors can make the biggest difference, this episode is for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our midyear outlook, we break down some of the biggest factors driving markets in 2025 — tariffs, AI, and the potential for rate cuts — and attempt to help investors sift through the short-term noise while keeping a long-term perspective. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As of late May, the US ranks 39th out of 44 global stock markets—firmly in the bottom 15%. Meanwhile, international markets are gaining momentum, with 7 of the top 10 performing countries located in Europe. This performance gap appears to be supported by improving fundamentals, favorable currency trends, and rising earnings expectations across the region. Can it continue? In this episode of Simple, But Not Easy, host Nick VanDerSchie is joined by Morningstar’s Paul Tait and international equity portfolio manager Nabil Salem to explore why now may be the right time to take a fresh look at international diversification. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When markets hit a rough patch—as they did in early April—investors often lose confidence. Emotions run high after paper losses, and that’s when many fall into the “ready, fire, aim” trap. Decisions become reactive, not disciplined. It’s common to see investors flee to cash or pivot to more conservative positions in an effort to feel safer. But more often than not, resisting that urge is the better path. In this episode of Simple, But Not Easy, we sit down with Morningstar’s Global Chief Research & Investment Officer, Dan Kemp, to explore how advisors can guide clients through uncertainty—not with bold predictions, but by remaining anchored to a clear investment philosophy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joanna McGinley, Executive Vice President at Pitchbook, discusses the intersection of public and private markets, shedding light on how private investments are becoming accessible to a wider range of investors. The conversation dives into the driving forces behind this shift, highlighting new tools for portfolio diversification and long-term growth. McGinley also addresses the risks and complexities involved, providing insights on how financial advisors can better educate clients about navigating this evolving investment landscape.

Time is a financial advisor’s most valuable asset. As industry tailwinds push the profession toward greater client-centricity—and as clients demand more from their advisors—many are recognizing the benefits of outsourcing investment management. By doing so, they can focus on what truly drives their business: being in front of clients and strengthening relationships. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Morningstar Wealth's Chief Investment Officer, Philip Straehl, and Head of Investments, Ricky Williamson share insights on the key themes shaping the investment landscape for 2025 and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While presidential elections often create tension and leave many feeling on edge, the stock market didn’t share this level of apprehension. Remarkably, October was one of the least volatile months in history leading up to a presidential election. Although this might seem surprising, it’s not entirely unusual. Markets frequently display greater resilience than we might expect. However, it’s important to remember that volatility isn’t always synonymous with selloffs or down days. As Morningstar Wealth Chief Multi-Asset Strategist Dom Pappalardo recently explained during his podcast appearance on Simple, but Not Easy, market activity post-election highlights the varied forms volatility can take. In his role, Pappalardo focuses on helping clients understand how Morningstar's research efforts translate into actionable portfolio management decisions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.