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!

To help you navigate #ProxySeason, we explore the themes and companies that are likely to dominate this year. Plus, the basics of #ProxyVoting and how it works. http://spr.ly/60410WN6v

As widely expected, the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at today’s meeting. Here is where we are today:  ▪️ After cutting 100 bps last autumn, the fed funds rate has been at 4.25-4.50% since December 2024. ▪️ That's still well above the 2017-19 average of 1.7%, suggesting further cuts...eventually. ▪️ However, further cuts are on hold for now until we get more clarity on the size of tariffs and their impact. See my full note here: https://lnkd.in/gvRCdqD7

The past two years showed inflows into Asian money market funds, but interest rate cuts are now changing the investing landscape. Discover what’s top of mind for our researchers in a rate cut environment: http://spr.ly/60480YYHI

As a financial advisor, time is your most precious asset. Most agree, there’s just not enough of it for client-facing activity. Learn how AI can give you time back to improve both your and your clients’ experience. Read the blog: http://spr.ly/60470c87W

The One Constant in Investing? Risk: http://spr.ly/60440WyVQ. Volatility may feel unsettling, but it’s the price we pay for long-term rewards. #USStocks have officially entered correction territory, dropping over 10% for the first time in 16 months. But here’s the thing: 📈 Volatility = Opportunity: Stocks offer higher long-term returns because they come with short-term uncertainty. Since 1928, US stocks have delivered an annualized return of 10% (after inflation, that’s 6.9%). 📉 Corrections Are Normal: A 10% decline is typical once a year. This pullback isn’t just about external events like #Tariffs but also shifts in valuation multiples. 🌐 #Diversification Smooths the Ride: #Bonds and #InternationalStocks are holding up well; a diversified portfolio helps balance the bumpiness. #Volatility is an expression of uncertainty, and we’re living through it right now. But with the right plan, you can stay on course—even as the market ebbs and flows. 🔗 Curious to dig deeper? Read the full article on navigating risk and making volatility work in your favor by Danny Noonan, Senior Investment Writer: http://spr.ly/60470WyVx. #MorningstarWealth #InvestmentInsights #ClientEngagement

DeepSeek dominated headlines when it seemingly came out of nowhere to disrupt the AI landscape. But #DeepSeek is not the only one changing the game. Regulation—specifically, the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act—has the potential to profoundly shape the future of #AI. Read more http://spr.ly/60450mPH1

⚠️ Markets are shifting dramatically: http://spr.ly/604705T5J. The twin challenges of slowing growth and rising #Inflation are shaping the economic landscape, and investors are feeling the impact. Recent developments like #Tariffs on key trading partners, a reevaluation of defense spending in Europe, and shifts in Chinese #Equities have reshuffled market leadership. While US #Technology has struggled, #InternationalMarkets are flourishing. What does this mean for investors? ➜ Growth expectations are driving #InterestRates lower. ➜ #Inflation expectations remain anchored due to tariff risks. ➜ Navigating uncertainty is key to building resilient, multi-asset portfolios. The lesson is clear: #Diversification and robust #PortfolioConstruction remain essential in this new market regime. For a deeper analysis from Philip Straehl, Chief Investment Officer, Americas, of these shifts and how we’re positioning portfolios to adapt, read the full article to learn more: http://spr.ly/604905T5z. #MorningstarWealth #InvestmentInsights #ClientEngagement #FromTheDeskOfTheCIO

#MorningstarRetirement's Fran Anello, Diana Velasquez, and Bryan Platz had a great time at Pensions & Investments Defined Contribution East conference. Bryan spoke on a panel about trending default investment offerings. Important disclosures: http://spr.ly/60400rcvp

#StockFutures signal a lower open yesterday, with the Dow Jones coming off its worst week since March 2023 and the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq on a four-week losing streak. #TreasuryYields are also edging lower, while #Crude prices are holding steady, with W&T Offshore Inc. (NYSE: WTI) posting its first positive week in eight. But where do we go from here? Philip Straehl, Chief Investment Officer, Americas, at #MorningstarWealth, joined Seema M., Global Markets Correspondent, on CNBC to discuss the projected three #InterestRate cuts by the Federal Reserve Board this year. He also shared insights on how President Trump’s #Tariffs and #EconomicPolicies continue to shape consumer and business sentiment as we head into this week’s #FederalReserve meeting. 🎥 Click here to watch the full #CNBC segment: http://spr.ly/604009xDM. What are your thoughts on the Fed's next move? Let us know below! 💭 #WorldwideExchange #MarketAlert