Morningstar

Today, we're celebrating 40 years of investors first! From our humble beginnings in 1984 to becoming a beacon of independence, transparency, and long-term focus, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. To all who've been a part of this incredible Morningstar story since 1984, we say thank you!

As we look forward to next week’s Fed Meeting, I've highlighted a few key points from my latest outlook piece on the #Morningstar website: https://lnkd.in/g6p2ptYA ▪️ Rate cuts are on pause for now, but we think that’s only temporary.   ▪️ We forecast an additional 2 percentage points in rate cuts by mid-2027, bringing the federal-funds rate down to a target range of 2.25%-2.50%. The 10-year Treasury yield is also expected to slide to 3.25% versus the 2024 average of 4.20%.    Here’s why we expect cuts to resume:  ▪️ Falling inflation is allowing the Fed to focus on full employment and economic growth. ▪️ GDP growth is projected to slow, increasing pressure for rate cuts.  ▪️ Mortgage rates & borrowing costs remain historically high, straining consumers and businesses.    While the economy has been surprisingly resilient to higher interest rates, long-term affordability challenges—especially in housing—signal that more rate cuts will be needed to sustain healthy economic momentum.    While markets disagree with our view on how aggressive the Fed will be in 2026-27, we believe the natural rate of interest remains lower than many expect. As past debt refinances, more households and businesses will feel the squeeze—making additional easing essential. The Fed will have to cut much more in order to offset these headwinds.  For the full details and more, download my Q1 2025 US Economic Outlook here: https://lnkd.in/g8rjkZjq 

Celebrate Women's History Month with our Spotlight Series as we highlight the inspiring stories, trailblazers, and women who are shaping the future of Morningstar.

⚠️ A New Market Regime is Here: https://lnkd.in/gskzc_na. A new market regime has arrived, marked by slowing growth and rising inflation. Recent market movements have been influenced by key factors like US trade #Tariffs, geopolitical shifts, and China’s DeepSeek AI moment. Key takeaways from this month's CIO insights include: 📌 Growth uncertainties are pushing #Yields lower, and the steepening of the yield curve points to expectations of future #InterestRate cuts  📌 Tariff risks continue to anchor #Inflation expectations 📌 This underscores the importance of building portfolios robust enough to withstand a range of economic scenarios Navigating this regime shift demands structural #Diversification and macroeconomic robustness to help weather uncertainty and uncover long-term opportunities. 📖 Click here to read the full article from Philip Straehl, Chief Investment Officer, Americas: https://lnkd.in/g2VpMn62. #MorningstarWealth #InvestmentInsights #ClientEngagement #FromTheDeskOfTheCIO 

Advisors, discover how our #ModelPortfolios aim to provide a strong and strategic foundation for your clients' long-term investment goals: http://spr.ly/6041LNzYT. Join the upcoming #MorningstarWealth webinar, featuring Brian Duffy, Portfolio Specialist, and Paul Tait, CFA, Portfolio Specialist, to uncover how financial advisors can utilize our curated model portfolios to help deliver better financial outcome potential for their clients. 🔗 To reserve your spot, register now: http://spr.ly/6042LNzYp. #PortfolioPairings

🚨 Power Up Your Retirement Planning 🚨 In a recent webinar featuring key takeaways from our State of Retirement Income report, Morningstar’s Amy Arnott, Christine Benz, and Jason Kephart, CFA, analyzed the impact of strategies such as delaying Social Security, implementing flexible withdrawal methods, leveraging annuities, and more. Watch our replay to find out how you can utilize the research for your clients’ retirement planning strategy: http://spr.ly/6040LqhuM

Landing the right clients isn’t about high-pressure sales tactics—it’s about a thoughtful, strategic approach. Use these 6 steps to build a stronger client base at your practice. http://spr.ly/60430OduB

Slower Inflation Signals a Step Toward Rate Cuts: http://spr.ly/60430OOPD. 📉 The February #CPI data brought some positive news for market participants, showing consumer prices rose at a slower-than-expected pace. Here's what you need to know: ✅ #CoreCPI and #HeadlineCPI came in lower than forecasted, with Core CPI at its slowest annual growth rate since April 2021. ✅ #EquityMarkets surged in a relief rally, led by #GrowthStocks, while #BondYields moved slightly higher in a surprising divergence. ✅ #FuturesMarkets now anticipate 3-4 Federal Reserve Board rate cuts starting in mid-2025, as #Inflation concerns begin to ease. This report is an important step forward on the Fed's path to resuming #RateCuts, providing a glimmer of optimism for investors navigating recent #MarketVolatility. 📖 Want the full analysis? Read the detailed article to learn more: http://spr.ly/60440OOPE. 🎥 Prefer a quick video breakdown? Catch insights directly from Dominic Pappalardo, Chief Multi-Asset Strategist: http://spr.ly/60450OOP1. What are your thoughts on the #FederalReserve's next steps? Share your perspective in the comments below! 👇

Wondering where the markets are headed: http://spr.ly/60490y7XB? Get up to speed on the latest market movements with insights and this week’s key takeaways from Dan Kemp, Chief Research and Investment Officer. 📉 US Stocks Dip: Down 3.2% last week as the market reassesses fair value. #GrowthStocks, which outperformed #ValueStocks by 40% in the past two years, are now underperforming by 10% this year: http://spr.ly/60400y7X8. 🚑 Sector Shakeups: #FinancialServices fell 5.9%, #ConsumerCyclical down 9.6%, while #Healthcare held steady as the highest-performing sector YTD (+7.7%): http://spr.ly/60410y7XD. 🌎 Global Markets Outshine US: International #DevelopedMarkets and #EmergingMarkets post stronger returns, with China's market leading the way (+19.2% YTD). 📈 Inflation and the Fed: All eyes are on #Inflation as the Federal Reserve Board’s meeting approaches. Long-term investing requires staying the course—even during market fluctuations. Remember the carpenter’s motto when adjusting portfolios in this environment: “Measure twice, cut once.” Read the full roundup here for detailed insights and analysis on jobs data (http://spr.ly/60420y7XE), inflation, and sector performance: http://spr.ly/60430y7X1. 🗓️ Stay informed! Be sure to check back next Monday for another #WeeklyMarketRoundup. #MorningstarWealth #InvestmentInsights #AdvisorDevelopment

"Expanding knowledge > workflow enhancement." Mic drop from Thomas Aviles. 🎤 Read our blog http://spr.ly/60450E2zX on how AI can provide advisors with a competitive advantage – if they choose the right technology partners.