Our look at why retirees should consider ETFs topped coverage this week, alongside an examination of how property stacks up against shares, and the election cuts faced by self-managed super funds.

5 reasons why retirees are embracing ETFs

There are good reasons for retirees to consider exchange-traded fund within their portfolios, beyond those cited by millennial investors, writes Morningstar's Christine Benz. 

Property vs shares: which is on top in 2019?

Slumping prices and election fears have given residential property investors plenty to worry about in 2019. Yet with the equity market also under pressure, picking between real estate and shares is far from a simple proposition. 

Forget franking, SMSFs face even more cuts

Labor's plan to axe cash refunds for excess franking credits may have monopolised attention in the countdown to the election but investors stand to lose out even more from other proposals, Australia's peak superannuation body warns. 

The 5 most popular retail funds in Q1 in 2019

These large-cap Australian equity funds from AllianceBernstein, Dimensional, Greencape, Investors Mutual and DNR Capital received the highest amounts of retail money among Morningstar's medalist-rated funds in the first three months of 2019. 

Future Fund delivers 10pc over the decade

Australia's sovereign wealth fund has lifted its 10-year return to over 10 per cent, helped by strong equity gains, a thaw in global trade tensions and lower US interest rates over the quarter. 

The 2019 market rebound vs the 2018 slump

Riding out the ups and downs and waiting for the recovery, it is said, gives you the opportunity to make back any losses and enjoy the gains as your investments bounce back. 

These ASX200 ETFs are good but not gold says Morningstar

Weaker than expected inflation for the first quarter of 2019 has boosted expectations the RBA will cut the cash rate when it meets next month. 

Do falling rates boost REITs?

The proposed merger of automotive rivals Automotive Holdings Group and AP Eagers would help offset short-term sector weakness by expanding AHG's footprint and car brand coverage, says Morningstar. 

Nufarm, Iluka and Domino's enter Morningstar's Global Best Ideas list

Nufarm, Iluka Resources and Domino’s Pizza are the latest Australian names to enter Morningstar’s Global Equity Best Ideas list and are trading at discounts of almost 30 per cent. 

Franking debate: 3 alternative ideas to consider

The setting of the federal election date brings into sharper focus the franking debate. David Ellis suggests some alternative ideas to consider if Labor's plan is implemented.