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stocks

Global Market Report - June 1, 2018

The local market is set to open lower following weak leads on Wall Street as it grapples with the Trump administration's move to impose immediate tariffs on metal imports from trading partners Canada, Mexico and the EU.
funds

How behavioural bias can create investment opportunities

While it is often said that investor behaviour is the single biggest determinant of investment success, managing the emotional triggers can be challenging, writes Jade Hemeon.
markets

Rising personal debt, inflation top of mind for bond managers

Historic levels of global indebtedness and rising interest rates were among key topics discussed by credit market experts at this year's Morningstar Investment Conference.
markets

Equity, credit markets shudder over Italian political turmoil

The political upheaval in Italy is rattling global markets and investors as it forces European stocks down and pushes bond yields higher.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 31, 2018

The local share market is set to open higher after strong gains on Wall Street amid hopes of a solution to the Italian political crisis.
funds

State Street upbeat on US, Asia and emerging market stocks

An increasingly bearish outlook on European equities and cautious optimism on Australia and New Zealand are among this multi-asset team's current positions.
stocks

Wesfarmers still overvalued despite Coles demerger: Morningstar

Wesfarmers' two-star rating looks set to stay, according to Morningstar analysts, with little chance of a material uplift in the conglomerate’s fair value estimate following the proposed demerger of Coles.
funds

What Buffett bought in 1Q18

While Berkshire Hathaway steered a wide berth around cryptocurrency, its latest SEC filing reveals what the conglomerate bought and how much.
funds

The fund manager practising what it preaches

Greencape's David Pace explains how high active share underpins this Australian equity manager’s process, along with focusing on aspects such as remuneration both internally and within the companies it holds.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 30, 2018

The local share market is set to plunge as US stocks fell the most in more than a month fuelled by political turmoil in Italy, which has stoked fears of further instability in the eurozone.
funds

Royal commission, ESG and important macro themes

Weeding out lying, cheating and stealing is just part of the company governance analysis performed by fund managers, explains JP Morgan's Kerry Craig.
etfs

Buffett, Bogle and why low cost investing is no one-trick pony

ETFs aren't the whole story in the broader discussion of active versus passive funds and low-cost investing, writes Dan Kemp from Morningstar Investment Management, UK.
stocks

Developed market stocks edging ahead of emerging

A glimmer of hope shines for investors as developed economy markets outpace emerging markets for the first time in recent years.
funds

3 top picks in construction, property and packaging

These three companies with exposure to US housing, domestic property development and packaging are among some of the best investors can buy, according to Greencape's David Pace.
personal-finance

5 reasons China could become an innovation leader

China is ideally positioned to throw off its traditional association with original equipment manufacturing and become the Silicon Valley of the east, writes Eng Teck Tan for Nikko Asset Management.
stocks

Top 10 articles of last week

Last week's article on how to turn $1000 into a small fortune dominated the attention of readers, who also devoured our advice on how to avoid the three most common SMSF breaches (hint: keep good records), and our story on why the love affair with divide
stocks

Wesfarmers investors left with $1.4bn bill after UK Bunnings offload

Wesfarmers' foray into the United Kingdom and Ireland home improvement market has come unstuck as the company announces the sale of Homebase UK to a private equity firm.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 29, 2018

The local share market is set to open weaker after European stocks fell on a quiet night of trade with US and UK markets closed for public holidays.
stocks

Craft beer boom boosts GrainCorp

As the consumption of craft beer and premium whiskey grows in Australia and abroad, barley malt producer GrainCorp has benefited from robust malt sales while some listed brewers have benefited from higher beer sales too. 
stocks

Aussie oil major stares down Harbour offer

The ill-fated Santos acquisition bid by Harbour Energy is a complicated ordeal featuring fractious boards and shareholders, a rapidly appreciating oil price and entrepreneurial pride.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 28, 2018

The local share market is set to open weaker with a fall in the price of oil and other resources.
funds

Look beyond FAANGs for stock opportunities

Emerging market tech firms should outperform the likes of Amazon and Google, according to these asset managers.
stocks

Local market finds strength in diversity; Santos goes it alone

A diverse group of outperforming companies are adding invaluable support to the benchmark as Santos makes a brave move to send its suitor, Harbour Energy, packing.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 25, 2018

The local share market is set to open lower amid another flare-up in trade relations between the US and China and Donald Trump's declaration that the US military stands ready in the event of conflict on the Korean Peninsula following his decision to canc
stocks

2 tech stock standouts in an overvalued market

Finding good technology stocks and ignoring those that are overvalued or risky is a worthwhile challenge for investors, says Morningstar analyst Gareth James.
etfs

7 tips for managing currency risk

While most of us are inherently alert to risks in many areas of our lives, such as driving a car or crossing the street, currency risk within an investment context is often not considered.
etfs

Aussie ETF leaders go head-to-head on stage

Senior figures from two of Australia's largest exchange-traded fund shops have engaged in a robust exchange of views at Morningstar Investment Conference 2018.
stocks

Healthscope plays hard to get

The board of Australia’s second largest private hospital operator has rejected two takeover bids, saying both proposals undervalue the company. 
investing

Morningstar Portfolio Construction Guide

Build a portfolio that meets your goals.
retirement

3 common SMSF breaches and how to avoid them

To avoid losing 45 per cent of your fund's total value in ATO penalties, the following tips will help ensure your self-managed super fund is compliant.
retirement

How much will you spend in retirement?

Getting a handle on your spending is the linchpin in crafting a viable retirement plan, says Christine Benz from Morningstar in Chicago.
stocks

Why investors value dividends so highly

One of Australia's most successful investors and stock pickers explains why a political proposal to tinker with dividend imputation has drawn such passionate responses.
funds

Beware fees when choosing a multi-asset manager

Morningstar analysts believe fund-of-funds can be a good one-stop-shop for general investors, but higher costs may deter some.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 23, 2018

The local share market is set to open broadly flat, pulled in opposite directions by falls on Wall Street and gains in base metals prices.
funds

Why UK market decline is good news for some

UK stocks have fallen from favour as concerns build about Brexit. But James Henderson welcomes the dip as it has provided opportunity for him to pick up income stocks cheap.
funds

Cost has influenced fund flows but so has performance

The future active funds isn't quite as bleak as the long-running argument over active versus passive strategies might suggest, writes Jeffrey Ptak.
funds

No clear link between high fees, active share and outperformance

Nearly one in five managed funds in Europe fail to beat their benchmarks despite charging high fees, but the reasons are more nuanced than you might expect.
markets

Attractive investment opportunities as bond yields top 3.5pc

With bond yields rising and the highest correlations between fixed income and equities returns in years, here's what the smartest people in the room told Morningstar last week.
markets

Telco, emerging countries could see Europe surpass US in 10 years

These are some of the biggest opportunities, in unloved areas within Europe, which could overtake the US in a decade, according to Dan Kemp from Morningstar Investment Management UK.
stocks

Top 10 articles of last week

An insider's view of Warren Buffett's stock positions, insights on what Budget 2018 means for SMSF trustees, and a colourful reminder of investment compounding topped our readership charts last week.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 22, 2018

The local share market is poised to open lower despite gains in oil and base metal prices and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s declaration that the US-China trade war is “on hold” following their agreement to suspend tariff threats.
etfs

Vanguard Australia narrows the ETF gap on iShares

Vanguard Australia is closing the gap in the battle for the title of Australia's largest ETF provider after pulling in close to $3 billion in net flows over the year.\n 
personal-finance

Morningstar Shave for a Cure

Staff from Morningstar Australia went under the clippers in support of their colleague, Michael Lagudi, who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.
funds

3 top-rated exposures to leading Chinese stocks

Each of these Australian international equities funds have substantial holdings in at least one of the well-known Chinese companies Tencent, Baidu and Alibaba.
personal-finance

How to turn $1000 into a small fortune

While there are exceptions to every rule, the slow road to building wealth remains the wisest path, writes John Rekenthaler from Chicago.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 21, 2018

The easing of trade tensions between the US and China may help the Australian share market recover and move higher despite futures pointing to a lower opening.
stocks

Investor demand for LICs on the rise

The trend for managers to absorb listing costs, and a crackdown on financial adviser product-pushing are combining to increase the appeal of listed investment companies and listed investment trusts.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 18, 2018

The local share market is expected to start the day slightly higher despite Wall Street suffering falls on the back of renewed concerns about US-China trade tensions.
funds

Even Brits are bearish on UK stocks

Why even the UK-based management of this £215 million fund are exploiting a regulatory loophole to reduce exposure to local companies.
stocks

Household debt, poor wages growth rattle RBA

The tone might be subdued but the RBA's latest note makes clear its board is increasingly concerned about the effects an eventual rate rise will have on growth given Australia's high level of household debt and sluggish wages growth. 
stocks

Investing in pets a life and death opportunity

As the outsize segment of Australia's population aged 65 years and over expands, it's creating investment opportunities in several areas, but you might have missed this angle.
etfs

Phone-a-friend among top tips for trading ETFs

These real-world insights from Morningstar's Ben Johnson include simple tips like checking in with a friend before big trades, and only trading during market open hours, and more complex tips such as utilising limit orders.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 17, 2018

The local share market is due to open higher after US stocks notched solid gains, recouping some of the market’s losses from a day earlier.
retirement

Budget 2018: The changes SMSFs need to know

There was a sigh a relief when the budget revealed there would be no major changes to superannuation, but it still pays to examine measures that passed under the radar and how they could affect you.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 16, 2018

The Australian sharemarket is expected to open lower after US stocks fell almost 1 per cent, after disappointing US retail spending data and worries about US-China trade relations.
stocks

Why Telstra will maintain industry dominance

Even as the telco's shares continue to slide following a weak trading update and shareholders question the long-term outlook, Brian Han explains why he remains optimistic.
funds

AustralianSuper tops performance league table

Superannuation did very well over the last five years, with funds posting positive results across the board, according to Morningstar's Australian Superannuation Survey for 1Q 2018.\n 
funds

Tackling high-fee headwinds

High fees are a performance headwind that can be difficult for active managers and investors to overcome, says Mike Roach, head of Vanguard Australia's quantitative equity group.
stocks

3 Chinese companies tipped to outperform

Even as US President Donald Trump's latest tweets potentially walk back a toughening of trade relations, Morningstar tips these Chinese artificial intelligence heavyweights to outperform.
funds

Keys to a successful small-cap strategy

Small-cap stocks might be known for their volatility, but it is possible to reduce risk by investing in companies with quality franchises, according to these asset managers.
stocks

Top 10 articles of last week

AMP's removal from Morningstar's Asia-Pacific Equity Pick List for May 2018 was among last week's most read articles along with the news that Telstra is trading at a 30 per cent discount to our fair value estimate. 
stocks

Global Market Report - May 15, 2018

The local share market is expected to open flat after Wall Street pared back earlier gains to end only slightly higher, and most base metals prices fell.
stocks

3 undervalued companies worth a second look

Value investors may find good buying opportunities among this trio of companies that have recently seen considerable share price declines, but which Morningstar analysts still regard favourably.
stocks

Investors seek 'safe haven' in healthcare

Australian investors are flocking to healthcare, particularly the four locally headquartered companies listed below, as the sector's perceived "safe-haven" status continues to appeal, writes Nicki Bourlioufas.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 14, 2018

The local sharemarket is expected to open flat after Wall Street managed only small gains on Friday, a day marked by Donald Trump's tough talk, but lack of action, on high drug prices. 
personal-finance

Surprise millionaire further proves power of compounding

Sunday's New York Times story about a long-time secretary whose relatives discovered her US$9.2 million fortune only after her recent death isn't quite the investment miracle it might seem, writes John Rekenthaler.
personal-finance

Don't patronise me: Financial advice in plain English

Former hostage negotiator Richard Mullender highlights the value of plain-speaking, explaining why financial advisers should avoid jargon and tailor their message to individual levels of financial literacy.
stocks

Coalition delivers 'Peter Pan' budget as China trade tensions stir

Treasurer Scott Morrison donned a Peter Pan outfit - not a pretty sight - to deliver his 2018 federal budget, promising tax cuts to those earning over $180,000, with a Neverland promise of relief in 2024. 
stocks

Global Market Report - May 11, 2018

The local sharemarket is expected to open higher after the release of tepid US inflation figures eased expectations that US interest rates will rise faster this year.
stocks

Mahathir’s shock election win rattles markets

Mahathir Mohamad's stunning upset win in the Malaysian election risks causing short-term uncertainty in the southeast Asian nation’s economy and short-term volatility for investors, analysts say.
etfs

10 green ETFs top $575m FUM

A growing sustainability focus among Australian exchange-traded funds has seen the ESG segment's funds under management jump 80 per cent year-on-year, Morningstar research shows.
etfs

iShares restructuring cross-listed ETFs in Australia

On May 3, 2018, BlackRock announced it proposes to convert 14 of its cross-listed ETFs offered on the ASX to new Australia-domiciled iShares ETFs in July 2018.
funds

What is artificial intelligence?

What is artificial intelligence? And how can investors profit from the innovation in computer learning?
stocks

Global Market Report - May 10, 2018

The local market is set for early gains this morning amid gains in the US energy sector on the back of a boost in the oil price following Donald Trump's widely anticipated decision to quit the Iran nuclear deal.
retirement

Budget 2018: What it means for Aussie investors

An early return to surplus, minor changes to superannuation, and $140 billion in income tax cuts all featured in Scott Morrison’s pre-election budget.
funds

Blockchain holds both potential and risk for investors

Major corporations and venture capital firms are throwing their weight behind the technology that powers bitcoin, but it has limitations.
stocks

Why Telstra holds strong investor appeal

A favourite of Australian investors large and small, this major telco is trading at a 30 per cent discount to Morningstar's fair value estimate.
markets

Are bonds still sufficient diversifiers?

The February market correction that saw equities and bonds fall simultaneously may mean the end of the negative correlation for bonds and equities, which has served investors so well for 40 years.
funds

Morningstar Australian Fund Manager of the Year 2018

Platinum Asset Management was the overall winner of the Fund Manager of the Year award for 2018, in addition to winning the global equities category.
markets

Fees not the whole story when weighing bond funds

This study may help investors make a more informed decision between an active bond fund and a lower-cost passive strategy, writes Morningstar's Miriam Sjoblom.
funds

Morningstar Australian Fund Manager of the Year 2018

Platinum Asset Management was the overall winner of the Fund Manager of the Year award for 2018, in addition to winning the global equities category.
funds

Buffett on cryptocurrency, Apple and Amazon

The colourful duo behind Berkshire Hathaway discussed some of the world's largest companies, including several of their successful picks and misses over the last 12 months, and a blunt Bitcoin assessment.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 9, 2018

The local share market is expected to open flat after the major US stock indexes erased earlier losses to end the session little changed, while markets priced in Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. 
funds

Why BlackRock is engaging with gun makers

The world's largest asset manager is stepping up its engagement efforts to increase corporate responsibility, says Morningstar's Jon Hale.
markets

Tax cuts tipped to headline election budget

Treasurer Scott Morrison will tonight deliver his third and arguably last budget before the next federal election. Here’s a summary of what we know so far. 
funds

The wit and wisdom of Warren Buffett

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway Inc Vice Chairman Charlie Munger faced five hours of questions from shareholders, journalists and analysts at Berkshire's annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 8, 2018

The local share market is expected to open higher after solid gains on Wall Street, particularly Apple, which posted its sixth day of gains, prompting Warren Buffett to say "I'd love to own 100 per cent of it". 
markets

Why investors shouldn't bail on bonds

The bond market bear has started to show its teeth, but this doesn't mean investors should ignore this US$100 trillion market, writes JP Morgan's Kerry Craig.
personal-finance

Morningstar April month in review

Our April update includes news about the expansion of our editorial team and the release of our Earnings Season Insights special report.
stocks

Resources, tech stocks drive IPO boost as returns thrive

IPOs on the Australian Securities Exchange have had a good year as resources companies and technology sector stocks account for almost two thirds of new listings.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 7, 2018

The local market is expected to open higher today after stocks soared on Wall Street with the release of strong job figures and a stellar Apple result on the back of praise from Warren Buffett. 
stocks

Top 10 articles of last week

Tips on how to tell a good adviser from a bad one and a list of medal-winning funds offering double-digit returns topped our list of most engrossing reads for the week. 
stocks

Analysts downgrade AMP stewardship rating

Morningstar equity analysts have lowered AMP’s stewardship rating amid damaging Royal Commission revelations.
funds

The rise of east and south Asia

Prospects of North and South Korean peace, India's economic formalisation and increasing Chinese consumer confidence are driving this portfolio manager's interest in Asia.
stocks

Advance Australia fair but good advice will cost you

The local market has resisted the volatility of the first four months of the year but the royal commission will lead to tougher standards in financial advice, which will reduce supply of advisers and push up costs.\n 
stocks

Global Market Report - May 4, 2018

The local share market is expected to start the day higher after most base metals prices finished the offshore session higher, and Wall Street put in another mixed performance.
stocks

Is the US stock market in a bubble?

Stock prices, especially those of tech companies like Apple and Amazon, are high, but price/earnings ratios are not excessively so.
stocks

Hits keep on coming as AMP cops downgrade

Morningstar equity analysts have lowered AMP’s stewardship rating, as damaging Royal Commission revelations prove disastrous.
etfs

ETP inflows may benefit from financial adviser backlash

Two Australian exchange-traded product providers believe they will see further inflows as a partial response to the Royal Commission into financial services.
funds

Is India the next Asian powerhouse?

Nikko Asset Management's Robert Mann discusses India, providing his views on whether it's economic growth will equal that of China and how investors can access some of the opportunities.
stocks

Choppy waters for Aussie stocks, smoother sailing for credit

Morningstar saw reasonable valuations in domestic credit over 1Q18, while Australian equities remain overvalued as the two largest sectors are unattractive.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 2, 2018

The Australian share market is expected to open slightly higher after a mixed performance on Wall Street and a four-week fall in copper prices because of fears of waning Chinese demand.
stocks

Global Market Report - May 3, 2018

The Australian share market is expected to open flat, after gains in base metals prices were offset by a weak lead from US stocks and a decision by the Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged.
stocks

What is a technology stock?

As technology disrupts a growing number of industries including healthcare, financial services, retail and communication, Emma Wall asks what defines a tech stock.
stocks

Are retail headwinds baked-in to Wesfarmers?

What the 3Q retail sales results and its demerger of Coles as a separately listed entity, mean for Morningstar's fair value outlook on Wesfarmers, as explained by equity analyst Johannes Faul.
funds

Why North Korea-South Korea deal would boost investor outlook

South Korean equities continue to look cheap compared to Asian peers and fund managers are bullish, but how would reunification affect their investment case?