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Passive management has received a ringing endorsement from Australia's $148.8 billion Future Fund, which tipped a large portion of its funds into lower cost, index-tracking investment vehicles. 

The Australian share market is set to take a lead from Wall Street and lift at the open, after investors snapped up subdued tech and internet stocks overnight, while strong US company results further boosted spirits.

Trade tariffs and concerns over weakening Chinese growth continue to dent investor sentiment towards most emerging-markets assets

The Australian share market is poised for a subdued open despite a solid overnight session on Wall Street, where investors are taking advantage of cheaper prices following a recent pullback for equities.

Morningstar Individual Investor Conference: Donald Trump and the US-China trade war, top Australian stock picks, and the ongoing fallout from Australia's banking royal commission.

Google's parent company is an attractive option among global technology stocks, according to Morningstar US analyst Ali Mogharabi

Labor’s "draconian" plan to axe cash refunds for franking credits will ruin Australia's globally esteemed run of almost three decades without recession and tarnish the prospects of retirees and younger generations alike.

China may be slowing and facing trade war concerns but its broader commodity demand supports the outlook for several Australian exporters, says Nikko AM's Stefan Hansen after a recent trip to the Middle Kingdom.

Facebook is still adding users every quarter, just not in the US or Europe, the social networking giant has revealed as part of its Q3 earnings results.

The Australian share market is set to slide at the open amid renewed volatility on Wall Street and lingering trade tensions.

A flat tax rate of 25 per cent would prop up Australia’s household consumption in the face of significant challenges including more out-of-cycle rate rises, according to Morningstar’s head of equity research Peter Warnes. 

These well-known stocks spanning finance, telecommunications and education headed our equity analysts' top picks at the Morningstar Individual Investor Conference 2018.

Mixed third-quarter results from Amazon don't detract from Morningstar's long-term positive assessment.

The big Australian resources companies have had a strong run in the past year and not even October’s market correction has wiped away their gains. 

AMP's banking division will scrap or reduce 20 fees and charges to further simplify its product offering, after last week revealing huge cash outflows for the third-quarter 2018.

If you've got good stocks, hold them and don't panic. And if you want to invest in good companies, make sure they have a competitive advantage and consistent earnings.

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The Australian share market is poised to slip at the start of a new trading week, extending what is currently its worst month in ten years.

Investors are mistaken in making blanket judgements about global stock valuations, even as rising US interest rates and China-US trade tensions spook markets, says Platinum CEO Andrew Clifford.

Investing in a managed fund is one of the best ways to diversify your investment portfolio, and gain access to skilled management. But buying one can be tricky.

A limping Australian share market is poised to claw back ground from its new 12-month low, with early trade set to mirror a tech-driven bounce on Wall Street overnight.

AMP shares have plunged after the wealth manager announced it will sell its Australian and New Zealand wealth protection business, dragging down the Aussie stock market.

What are the risks facing Australian stocks? Hyperion Asset Management outlines what you should be wary of.

The tensions between the US and China are set to drag on, intensifying the risk of inflation and adding to the volatility reverberating across international markets, says a leading global asset manager.

The Vanguard founder says although there are some good uses for ETFS, he still sees lots of bad and poorly used products in the market. 

Valuation-driven investing is about doing your homework, avoiding impulse decisions and knowing that the long game pays off. 

American stocks have posted a 92 per cent rise since 2014, against a 45 per cent for emerging markets and a 43 per cent gain for Europe.

Australians are expected to dig further into their savings this year as they increase their spending faster than their income is growing, according to the head of Treasury.

Good results and demographics have put Challenger in a strong position to take advantage of Australia's fast-growing post-retirement sector.

Vanguard founder Jack Bogle sees a place for some factor funds but thinks trying to trade between factors is a losing proposition.

Australian shares are poised for a mildly positive open after Wall Street climbed back from sharp overnight losses.

Morningstar analysts recently updated several companies' economic moats, their measure of a company's sustainable competitive advantage. We put the spotlight on three stocks.

Morningstar has reaffirmed its outlook for Australia's top two oil and gas companies after they released third-quarter production figures.

Private equity firm BGH Capital and AustralianSuper have returned with another $4.11 billion bid for Healthscope, five months after the private hospitals operator rejected their takeover attempt.

Viruses, worms, firewalls, trojans, ransomware: it seems the bizarre vocabulary of cybercrime has evolved as much as the threat itself. But so too have the investment opportunities.

Ahead of results from Amazon and Alphabet this week, Morningstar analysts look at valuations in the tech sector.

The Australian share market is set to extend its subdued start to the week following mixed results on Wall Street overnight.

Most working Australians fear they’ll run out of money in retirement—a problem which experts attribute to the fractured nature of Australia's retirement system.

Oilfield services company WorleyParsons (ASX: WOR) will almost double in size if its proposed acquisition of Jacobs Engineering's energy, chemicals and resources division proceeds.

Jack Bogle says trying to time trades is a flawed decision, and investors should not try to beat the market.

There a couple of key investment approaches investors should be aware of if considering buying into the market to benefit from the lower share price valuations in some sectors.

The Australian share market is tipped to open lower again this week, with the shock result in the Wentworth by-election contributing to the result.

Sage advice and practical tips on how to navigate a market downturn monopolised reader attention this week alongside news of the Telstra board's riposte against a shareholder strike.

A shock Wentworth byelection result looms over the Australian share market at the start of a new trading week, while a soft lead-in from Wall Street is also expected to knock the local bourse lower at the open.

The head of National Australia Bank has publicly lamented a "difficult and shameful" year dominated by "appalling behaviour" uncovered at the banking royal commission.

Labor's vow to axe cash refunds for excess franking credits has sparked concern among investors. Lex Hall examines the policy, who it affects and what investors should do if it comes into force. 

Delivery speed will be the next battleground for Australian retailers as Amazon's local presence transforms customer expectations.

Australian shares are poised for an opening plunge in the wake of a broad sell-off on Wall Street, where trade war concerns and a hawkish central bank weighed US indexes down by more than 1 per cent.

Too frequent trading and rushing for the door on a dip is likely to have a more negative impact on your returns than holding your nerve. Separate the news from the noise.

Morningstar analyst Johannes Faul examines Amazon's edge on delivery and outlines how Myer has priced in some challenges to emerge as an undervalued retail play.  

Firetrail's withdrawal of its listed investment company this week IPO embodies the difficulties of a finite pool of investors and tougher market conditions.

International subscribers boosted growth, but we still think the firm will have to spend heavily over time to fend off competition.

The 20-year bond bull market might be over, but there is still a place for fixed income in investors' portfolios.

A choppy overnight session on Wall Street looks set to nudge Australian shares lower at the open, with the major US indexes fluctuating amid the increasing likelihood of further rate hikes.

Vanguard founder Jack Bogle explains the difference between long-term and speculative returns, and where he believes markets are headed over the next decade.

Storm clouds are gathering over the global economy amid rising tensions between the world's two superpowers, tightening US interest rates, and a slowdown in investment in the Middle Kingdom.

Though some mining stocks have been upgraded on the back of higher commodity prices, these no-moat stocks remain overvalued, according to Morningstar equity analysts.

Want to make money in emerging markets? Look for stocks that are uncorrelated to trade war fears and US central bank policy says T Rowe Price's Ernest Yeung.

The Australian share market is poised to hitch a ride on Wall Street's overnight rally, with the major US indexes shrugging off a recent slump to gain more than 2 per cent.

Telstra shareholders have voted against what many perceive as excessive executive pay, issuing a first-strike against the renumeration report and raising the prospect of a board spill.

National Australia Bank's revelation it has earmarked another $314m for customer remediation caps off an annus horribilis for Australia's big four banks.

Australian stocks look set to take another dive at the dawn of a new trading week despite Wall Street's late-week rally, and a slight jump in metals prices.

Elon Musk's ongoing spat with American regulators captivated Morningstar readers this week, along with the entry of a2 Milk into the best stock ideas list, while the lack of retirement preparedness among Australians is a nagging concern.

To help investors cope with the market volatility in a concrete and productive way, we've outlined some worthwhile jobs to tackle during a downturn.

Australian stocks are poised for a steadier open, having clawed back ground from a new six-month low, though futures trading is mirroring Wall Street's choppy overnight session.

A weak trading update amid softness in the Australian property market and a slowdown in housing turnover has forced Morningstar to cut the fair value estimate for property listings business Domain.

There is now more money in exchange traded funds than listed investment companies. But Morningstar analysts say bigger is not always better.

A slowdown in US traffic growth has forced Morningstar to trim its fair value estimate for wide-moat toll road operator Transurban.

The fair value estimate of publishing empire Fairfax has fallen following yesterday's surprisingly weak trading update for property listing business Domain Holdings.

Dipping your toes into the world of the investing can be an intimidating experience. Equity Mates Bryce Leske and Alec Renehan share the lessons they have learned on their investing journey.

Australian investors have seen their portfolios smashed this week in line with a global market downturn. What should you do to protect your portfolio?

Australia's property market is slowing down and building approvals have plummeted in recent months as developers pull out of the market, reducing demand for building materials.

Morningstar has introduced the industry's first global standard for portfolio sustainability based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.

Morningstar analyst Gareth James explains why tech stocks are prone to volatility, citing WiseTech Global as an example, and examines the strategy behind the recent takeover bids for accounting software play MYOB and education business Navitas. 

The chief executive of ANZ says he was "appalled" to learn through the banking royal commission what impact the institution has had on some Australians.

Some commentators suggest the US 10-year bond yield could push through 4% and toward 5% over time.

The Australian share market is poised to extend losses at the open after a volatile overnight session on Wall Street, with sliding oil prices adding to investor jitters over global trade.

The effects of the stock plunges in the US and Australia are scary but investors should avoid panicking and stay in it for the long haul, says regional director of equity research for Morningstar Australasia Adam Fleck.

The shape of the yield curve indicates slower growth for late 2019, but we'd need to see a sharp deceleration in the US economy for it to enter into a recession in 2020, says Morningstar Australasia senior portfolio manager Brad Bugg.

Morningstar analysts downgrade funeral services stock after mild winter and benign flu season dampen InvoCare earnings.

Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn has spoken face-to-face with customers affected by the kind of misconduct revealed at the banking royal commission.

Colchester's silver-rated fund takes a rigorous approach to global government bonds and screens out any that aren't up to scratch, says Morningstar Australasia's associate director for fund research Tim Wong. 

Hot on the heels of the KKR offer for accounting software play MYOB earlier this week, the BGH Consortium has lobbed a bid for education provider Navitas.

Australian education firm Navitas has received a $1.97bn buyout offer from a consortium consisting of private equity firm BGH Capital, fund manager AustralianSuper and top shareholder Rodney Jones.

The royal commission into patient abuse in the aged care industry has some equity analysts fleeing stocks in the sector while others say the potential fallout is limited.

Australian shares are tipped to plummet almost 2 per cent at the open after an overnight tumble on Wall Street, with rising US Treasury yields and increasing trade worries smashing the major overseas indexes.

Australia's largest lender Commonwealth Bank of Australia has retained its fair value estimate of $83 despite industry headwinds and management missteps.

Biotech stock Cochlear has kicked off the next phase of implant technology as the healthcare sector takes a tumble.

The IPCC report recommends faster electric vehicle adoption, which boosts Morningstar analysts’ above-consensus electric vehicle adoption thesis.

Australian shares are poised to slip again at the open after a mixed run on Wall Street overnight, though promising commodity prices could lift the local stock market after it endured its worst consecutive sessions since February.

Global asset manager Fidelity is looking to tap into the low-cost investing trend, joining a growing list of Australian asset managers launching active ETF strategies.

Despite recent troubles Turkey and Argentina, emerging market local currency debt is currently an unusually attractive asset class on a risk-adjusted basis, says Aberdeen strategist Craig Mackenzie.

State Street's Michele Hardeman tells Emma Wall how falling emerging market currencies have affected investor confidence.

Unless you feel confident that the index contains companies with long-term growth potential, it might not be the best place to invest, say Mark Arnold and Jason Orthman from Hyperion Asset Management.

A refreshed banking industry code will aim to stop banks charging dead people and ensure they only extract fees from customers in exchange for services actually provided.

With a number of new listed investment company launches anticipated before year-end, Anthony Fensom looks at what investors can expect in fiscal 2019.

The Australian share market is set to lose more ground at the open on the back of its worst day in six months, with continued weaknesses in US and European equity markets again predicted to weigh on sentiment.

Morningstar analyst Gareth James warns investors against cashing in following MYOB share price rally of 20 per cent on takeover bid.

Morningstar equity analysts have warned that ANZ will not be the last bank to face compensation costs.

Flat earnings, a healthy but weaker capital position, and continued strength in asset quality were among the key takeaways from Bank of Queensland's full-year 2018 result.

The yield curve is known as the most accurate predictor of recessions but, as an inversion looks imminent, Neptune's James Dowey explains why it may not be this time.

The thought of Australians underestimating the cost of retirement continues to dominate Morningstar's top stories alongside a look at five top stock upgrades and the entry of a2 Milk into our list of Global Equity Best Ideas.

The Australian markets are expected to get off to a weak start this week, after shares took a hit in Europe and on Wall Street on Friday.

Morningstar has increased its fair value estimate for narrow-moat rated cloud accounting software company Xero by 6 per cent to $25.50 on the back of its pledge to boost revenue.

Hamish Douglass, the co-founder and public face of the $74 billion asset manager Magellan Financial Group, is stepping down as chief executive to spend more time picking stocks.

Despite providing more questions than answers, the banking inquiry's interim report nevertheless suggests corporate regulators will be more aggressive in the future, says Morningstar analyst Chanaka Gunasekera.

One of the worst droughts in a century is not only ravaging NSW farmers, it is also eroding the profits of several ASX-listed companies.\n 

A strong greenback has pummelled the local dollar during offshore trading after it had already slumped to a two-and-a-half year low, while a tumble in US stocks overnight is expected to drag Australian shares lower at the open.

From beginning to dividend: Podcasters Equity Mates are helping first-time investors get started - they share what they have learned along the way

A credit crunch in reaction to the royal commission could add pressure to weakening house prices at a time when the RBA is in no position to stimulate demand.

Morningstar Australasia's director of quantitative research Patrick Caldon explains how the Morningstar Quantitative Equity Rating will complement our Analyst Rating.

New Zealand infant milk formula company The A2 Milk Co has joined Murata Manufacturing Co and Blackrock Inc as new entrants in Morningstar’s list of Global Equity Best Ideas. 

Concerns about a trade war are justified, but investors should stay the course or they risk missing the recovery, says Aberdeen Standard's veteran Asia-watcher Hugh Young.

Investor interest in US bonds ignited on Wednesday on the back of the increased appetite for riskier assets sparked by an expected decline in the US jobless rate this week to 3.8 per cent, the lowest since 1969.

Australian household wealth hit a record high in the June 2018 quarter, boosted by higher share prices and despite falls in house prices, although a property correction in Australia’s biggest cities could dent wealth.

Australian  shares are set to edge higher at the open after strong overnight trading on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones closed at a record for a second day after US economic data lifted Treasury yields.

Fallout from the banking royal commission has prompted a further downgrade in Morningstar's fair value estimate for narrow-moat insurance giant AMP to $3.40 per share from $3.60.

Many factors can impact when you can retire, so targeting a specific date to stop working may not be an ideal strategy. 

Oil and gas major Santos has a bright future ahead, according to Morningstar senior equities analyst Mark Taylor, who has increased his fair value estimate amid a forecast boost in output.

The harsh headwinds of the royal commission could damage the longer-term outlook for wide-moat major banks such as CBA, says Morningstar. 

These companies spanning financial services, aviation, healthcare, property and entertainment each saw double-digit improvements in their fair value estimates following their full-year results.

Jon Hale discusses his main takeaways from recent ESG conferences.

Australian shares are poised for a flat open after mixed results on Wall Street overnight, with tech giants dragging but the trade-buoyed Dow hitting record highs.

Financial services giant AMP could face additional legal action from the corporate regulator as fallout from the banking inquiry interim report continues, says Morningstar.

Two days after being charged with fraud by the SEC, Tesla founder Elon Musk settled with the US regulator, relinquishing the chairman's role and paying a fine.

Australia could be staring down the barrel of a credit crunch, triggered by the softening of borrower demand and implementation of stricter lending criteria following the banking royal commission.

Reaction to the banking royal commission has been swift and wide in scope as Labor calls for more action and analysts warn of a lending squeeze.

Australian shares are poised for a flat open, but could edge higher after a freshly signed trade deal between the US, Canada, and Mexico eased trade fears.

Among our top stories this week was an overview of three Australian large-cap stocks whose ties to Chinese demand present both opportunity and risk, while readers also enjoyed our look at the best and worst of earnings season, and three small caps to wat