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!

I've come to believe that avoiding mistakes is a critical part of building long-term wealth. Toward that end, Jeffrey Ptak, CFA and I just published an updated version of our annual study on funds that lost the most shareholder value in dollar terms due to poorly timed flows and/or performance issues. https://lnkd.in/gramMZUT

What are the key trends shaping advice? Morningstar’s Daniel Needham, CFA recently visited our shores to spend time with clients and the team. He shares with us his views on the top trends shaping advice in Australia.

From Aspiration to Execution: Owning Your Data is Easier Than You Think: http://spr.ly/60420SWVj. 🌐 For #WealthManagement firms, owning your data isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a critical necessity. Yet, many firms still don’t have full control over their own data. The good news? Gaining ownership of your data is easier than you think. You don’t need to build it all yourself to reap the rewards. By bringing together disparate data sources and unlocking data ownership, you can drive huge efficiencies, enhanced insights, and long-term #ROI for your firm. Join Hazal Sabah, Senior Product Manager, #ByAllAccounts, and John O'Connell, MBA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Oasis Group, as they tackle key considerations for firms looking to take control of their data by: 📍 Understanding what it truly means to own your data (and how to get there) 📍 Overcoming challenges of #DataAcquisition and #DataConsolidation 📍 Grasping why #OpenArchitecture and #DataPortability matter 📍 Key considerations and what to look for in #VendorContracts Don’t miss out on this opportunity to turn #DataOwnership into a competitive advantage for your firm. Register now to reserve your spot for our upcoming webinar: http://spr.ly/60440SWVe. 📅 #MorningstarWealth #TheOasisGroup

🏛️ Fed Holds Rates Steady but Signals Economic Uncertainty: http://spr.ly/60450SGwD. The Federal Reserve Board wrapped up its March 2025 meeting with no changes to #InterestRates, maintaining the target range at 4.25%-4.50%. While the decision aligns with expectations, the Fed’s updated economic outlook has raised eyebrows. 🤨 Key insights from the meeting include: 📉 Lower Growth Estimate: The 2025 growth projection dropped from 2.1% to 1.7%. 🔺 Rising Inflation Forecast: #CorePCE inflation is now projected at 2.8%, up from 2.5%. 📈 Unemployment Tick-Up: Unemployment is expected to rise to 4.4%, slightly higher than the previous 4.3%. ❓ Economic Uncertainty: The Fed acknowledged “increased uncertainty” regarding the US #EconomicOutlook. Despite these concerns, markets reacted positively, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting gains. #EquityMarkets took comfort in the Fed sticking to its expectation of a 50-basis point rate cut later this year, despite inflation pressures. What does this mean for investors? The mixed signals from the Fed could indicate more volatility ahead as growth concerns and #Inflation risks play tug-of-war in the markets. 🔗 For a deeper analysis, check out the full article from Alfonzo Bruno, CFA, Associate Portfolio Manager: http://spr.ly/60470SGw1. What’s your take on the #FederalReserve’s decision? Drop your thoughts below! 💭 #MorningstarWealth #InvestmentInsights #ClientEngagement

What Worked (and What Didn’t) in 2024: http://spr.ly/60450qfCJ? ✨ 2024 was a year of wins and lessons! As we head into Q2, see where our convictions lie within our #AssetAllocation and #EquitySMA strategies. #MorningstarWealth

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