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The ASX is set to edge higher in a shortened final session for 2018, but not enough to regain losses from what stands as the worst quarterly performance in seven years.

Investors often review performance against a designated benchmark, but this can result in a biased comparison - so how should you determine investment success?

Couples increasingly disagree on when they're going to retire and how much they'll need to have saved, but there are ways to avoid the shock, writes Mark Miller.

When markets swing wildly conventional wisdom suggests doing nothing may be best, but for people closer to retirement that's not always the best strategy, says Christine Benz.

Australia's money-making banks and supercharged housing market played a big part in the country's recent economic good times, so it only made sense they would be at the fore when things started to look less rosy in 2018.

The new boss of Sky Network Television has his work cut out, says Morningstar, as an increase in broadband and more tech-savvy consumers pressure the Kiwi pay-TV provider.

Albert Einstein once called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world: those who understand it, earn it; those who don't, pay it.

A late Wall Street rally has eased fears of heavier early losses for the Australian share market, which is set to follow its best day in two years with a flat open.

Its new Sydney casino set for a 2021 open underpins Morningstar’s continued positivity on Crown, despite falling VIP gaming volumes and other challenges.

The banking royal commission, pronounced falls in global markets and continuing ETF tail-winds are among the stand-outs of 2018, say Morningstar experts.

The Middle Kingdom's consumer-oriented sectors are gradually replacing heavy industry and low cost manufacturing as the country's economic engines.

Australian shares are tipped to climb after a two-day Christmas break, chasing a huge Wall Street rebound fuelled by retail confidence and higher oil prices.

Infrastructure stocks including Sydney Airport and Transurban outperformed in 2018 as volatility came back to the stock market and fled to defensive stocks.

Most investors are these days putting values before returns and pressuring fund managers to act more responsibly.

In the wake of a terrible October and further market volatility in 2019, alternatives may be worth considering, writes Nicki Bourlioufas.

SoftBank Corp shares have tumbled more than 14 per cent on debut, as investor appetite for Japan's biggest ever IPO was hurt by a recent service outage at the telecoms operator.

We mined our data to come up with a list of the most popular new stories on Morningstar.com.au this year.

As the Fed raises borrowing costs for the fourth time this year, patience, prudence and preservation of capital should take high priority.

Australian shares are set to open flat as Wall Street extends its dreary December run in the wake of the latest Fed Reserve rate hike.

This festive season, consider a present that lasts longer than the 12 days of Christmas - and doesn't diminish in value, but grows the recipient's wealth instead.

Record global debt alongside mixed signals from the Fed, and the link between Aussie housing, consumption and GDP will be next year’s big macro themes, says Morningstar’s Peter Warnes.

Ainsworth Game Technology was among several stocks that suffered double-digit declines this year, but they could rebound in 2019, say Morningstar analysts. 

Some see the Fed's unanimous decision to raise borrowing costs for the fourth time this year as a nod to global uncertainty while others says it risks being too optimistic.

Among the five top Australian fund managers, Schroders stands alone, having gradually increased its financials allocation in the wake of the banking royal commission.

NAB is scrapping its overhauled executive pay structure in response to an overwhelming first strike in which more than 80 per cent of shareholders voted against it.

Australian shares are set for a tumble at the open after a fresh rate hike by the US Federal Reserve sent Wall Street stocks deep into the red.

A pipeline of blockbuster products will help the household-name healthcare brand withstand a baby powder asbestos scare that has buffeted its share price.

Asian equities could lead an emerging market uptick in 2019, even after a tumultuous 2018 dominated by the US-China trade war and geo-politics.

Australian shares are set a subdued open as a tech-fuelled rally on Wall Street fades ahead of the year-ending Fed meeting, with oil and metals prices also taking a tumble overnight. 

An easier way to monitor client portfolios, equity quant reports, and an ETF screener are just some of the powerful new features on the Adviser Research Centre.

The competition watchdog may have raised a red flag over the proposed tie-up between telcos TPG and Vodafone but there’s still life in the deal, says Morningstar.

The RBA's December minutes showed members worrying over tightening credit and sluggish consumption.

The FAANGs have been priced for perfection at a time when their outlook is as challenging as it has ever been, writes Aberdeen's Karolina Noculak.

The intensifying debate over franking credits topped our coverage last week, alongside the growing concerns about Australia's housing market, and our survey of the top stockpickers for 2018.

State Street Global Advisors' Kevin Anderson says 2019 will be volatile - but there will also be opportunities for investors who are ready to pivot.

The Australian share market is set for an early plunge as Wall Street falls more than 2 per cent, and oil and metals prices retreat amid a wider global equities slump.

Promising the biggest tax cuts since the global financial crisis, the government's MYEFO update marks the early stages of a fiercely fought election campaign.

Crown Resorts' dominance in VIP gaming at its new Sydney casino and an influx in Chinese tourists will boost the company's earnings and ensure its competitive edge over rival Star. 

Australian shares are set for an early dive after Wall Street fell in late-week trade, with growth concerns and political uncertainty weighing on markets as Christmas approaches.

Knowing which Brexit scenarios are priced into equity, fixed income and currency markets is key, says James Foot, who sees value in the pound, and potential in short-term volatility.

No one plans to suffer dementia, but organising your financial affairs and estate planning is an increasingly important consideration that can reduce stress later.

The best books on business, investing and behavioural economics, as chosen by Morningstar.

Drug distributor Australian Pharmaceutical Industries has offered about $727 million to buy all of rival Sigma Healthcare, aiming to consolidate in the face of increased competitive and regulatory pressures.

Shares in global travel agent Flight Centre are overvalued, trading at a 27 per cent premium to their $38 fair value estimate, according to Morningstar equity analyst Brian Han. 

Super is one of those decisions we make when we're young which arguably have a big impact on the rest of your life - so bite the bullet and get it sorted.

The end of quantitative easing, Brexit, Italy, the US-China trade war and threatening inflation may prove unpalatable to global markets next year.

A German utility, Japanese electric vehicle play and US biotech are singled out as three global stocks to watch by UK fund manager Killik & Co.

General insurers to benefit from improved conditions in 2019.

Geared funds can offer spectacular returns compared to the sharemarket, but they can equally plunge when things sour, warns Morningstar's Alex Prineas.

A 'disorderly' no-deal Brexit would hit British banks, autos, supermarkets and aerospace, say Morningstar equity analysts.

A drop in funds under management for one of Australia's largest asset managers could be a warning of things to come as volatility risks crimping asset values and performance.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has survived a no-confidence motion launched by her Conservative party colleagues but a cloud hangs over the plan to leave the EU.

Australian shares are set for a subdued open as global markets rally on easing trade tensions, with Wall Street's tech and energy companies strong in overnight trade.

A multi-billion-dollar asset manager has taken the crown for top performing Australian equity large growth fund, beating the index by almost 7 per cent.

Though many investors are likely unaware, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) isn't the only way to trade directly in equities, ETFs, warrants and other securities.

Australian shares are set to edge higher at the open as global markets clawed back ground in volatile overnight trade.

Australian government bonds could outperform US treasurys in 2019 and 2020, as domestic monetary policy diverges from the US Federal Reserve.

Japanese financials and technology firms in Taiwan and Korea are among some of the most attractive opportunities on Morningstar Investment Management’s radar into 2019.

Our survey on where best to invest $10,000 right now topped last week's articles, followed by a look at dividend traps and the debate over Australia's superannuation outlook.

The vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal has been delayed - but whatever the result, UK equities look a good long term investment.

Australian shares are set to rise at the open following a late, tech-driven recovery on Wall Street as Brexit chaos rages in the UK.

Reducing risk in your investment portfolio doesn't have to mean de-railing your long-term plan, says Christine Benz.

Morningstar equity analysts have placed listed financial services giant IOOF under review following the regulator's bombshell decision to disqualify its top executives from managing people's retirement savings.

A global forum has swooped on the decline in Australian housing prices, warning investors to brace for a ‘hard landing’, which it says could have a ripple effect across the economy.

Australian shares weathered the worst of a late-week global sell-off but the local bourse is set to slide into a new session with ongoing trade uncertainty between China and the US.

The roll-out of 5G may well boost Telstra's revenue, but its continuing cost cutting initiatives remain the most important theme for the telco, says Morningstar's Brian Han.

Markets traditionally rally into Christmas, but November's bear market has raised a question over whether Santa will visit stock markets this year after a volatile year of share trading.

Italy's government is shaking up local politics, but even their anti-EU policies aren't necessarily a harbinger of doom for investors.

Australian shares are poised to slide as trade uncertainty and global growth concerns weigh on Wall Street, which resumed trade overnight after a one-day break.

Would you prefer $1m now or even more money later? Thanks to investment potential and inflation, we show you why it could be better to take the smaller sum upfront. 

There are fears an inverted yield curve, softening housing market and sluggish car sales will lead to a US recession in 2019.

Australia's first super fund for women, by women, has joined the ranks of several new funds jostling for a piece of the $2.7 trillion superannuation market.

The banking royal commission has forced a shift in the way boards and company executives interact, which will affect the entire listed corporate sector, says Mornignstar's David Ellis.

Australian investors wanting exposure to electric vehicles, without buying Tesla, could consider some of these well-regarded funds holding local lithium plays Galaxy and Syrah Resources.

Large-cap companies Transurban, Navitas and Spark are highlighted by the head of Lazard’s defensive income strategy, Aaron Binsted.

Shares in the industrial building materials company look compelling in light of the cyclical upswing in US housing. 

A subdued open looms for the Australian share market with Wall Street providing little lead after halting trade for the funeral of former US President George Bush Sr.

Weaker local currency and low rates of Aussie company debt may be setting the scene for an uptick in mergers and acquisitions in 2019.

The chances of a hike in 2019 are receding after falling house prices, tighter lending standards and sluggish wages contributed to weaker-than-expected 0.3 per cent economic growth in the last quarter.

Bank of Queensland chief executive Jon Sutton has resigned to focus on his health following triple bypass surgery earlier this year.

Australian shares are set to bleed red as scepticism builds over the US-China trade truce, with Wall Street coming down hard from its post-G20 sugar hit. 

Alternative assets and financial advisers are favoured by wealthier Milennial investors, a new study shows.

The Reserve Bank has left the official cash rate at a record low, reiterating its economic growth forecasts, while keeping a close watch on stumbling east coast housing markets.

Focusing on financial health and profit sustainability as underpinnings of company dividends is the most reliable means of preserving income yield, writes Dan Lefkovitz.

Apple supplier Skyworks Solutions has burst into Morningstar’s Global Best Ideas list, alongside Chinese sportswear group ANTA Sports and Japan’s second largest bank Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

The US and China agreed to a 90-day ceasefire in their trade war, on the G20 summit sidelines, but the deal to hold tariffs at current levels ignores several simmering tensions.

Australia’s residential property downturn and banking inquiry have influenced this income-focused strategy’s portfolio in 2018, as have commercial property valuations.

The ASX is set to slide as the surge of optimism around the US-China trade truce wanes, with overseas markets fading in late trade as investors search for more detail on the thaw.

Bank of England warns a housing price crash of up to 33 per cent, surging interest rates and unemployment as potential calamitous scenarios of a disorderly Brexit.

Two giants of Australian retail – Myer and Harvey Norman – made headlines again last week, both facing the fury of shareholders at annual general meetings.

The unexpected bid from Long-Term Asset Partners builds in a considerable premium to Graincorp's current share price but investors should be in no hurry to act, says Morningstar.

The upward rising markets of the past decade are over and investors should brace for a risky year ahead, says Psigma chief investment officer Tom Becket.

A survey of ideas on where to invest $10,000 right now topped our coverage last week, alongside a look at three top-rated ETFs, and the heated debate over Australia's superannuation outlook.

Australian shares are set to rise while the local dollar has hit near four-month highs after the US and China agreed to halt their market-rattling trade spat with a 90-day tariff truce.