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

Falling short: Aussies underestimate the cost of retirement

Australians are underestimating by up to 20 per cent the amount of money they'll need in retirement, according to a new survey from global investment manager Schroders. 

5 top stock upgrades of FY18

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

a2 Milk cracks Morningstar's best ideas list

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

Santos to grow production, FVE increased

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.  

Aged care sector braces for royal commission

The extent to which companies will be affected by the mooted royal commission into the aged care sector will depend largely on the terms of reference, says Morningstar. 

Regulatory crackdown and credit squeeze on CBA horizon

The harsh headwinds of the banking royal commission could damage the longer-term outlook for wide-moat major banks such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia, says Morningstar senior equity analyst David Ellis. 

Equity Mates: we were foolishly overconfident

When it comes to investing in the stock market for the first time, three words may well come to mind: scary, overwhelming, and intimidating. 

AMP faces triple threat from banking probe

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. 

Legal threat intensifies for AMP

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

Risk of credit crunch in overregulation, says Morningstar

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

   

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Lex Hall is a Morningstar content editor, based in Sydney.

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