A small list of US stocks that might appeal to one of the world's best-known investors Warren Buffett, and a cautionary tale about over-reacting to market forecasts ranked among our top stories last week.

5 stocks Buffett might buy, if he could 

These US-listed companies might attract Warren Buffett's interest if he was still able to consider small-cap stocks with rapid earnings growth.

Why franking fears, dividends may leave some investors worse off

Some investors could be worse off if they acted early on fears about Labor's franking credit policy, says super industry expert Phil La Greca.

Big four, Telstra back in vogue for this fund manager 

The increasingly competitive landscape in the telco industry and regulatory concerns threatening financial institutions have spooked investors. 

Investing basics: how to use the 50/30/20 rule for budgeting 

A good budget that quietly works in the background is an essential first step to saving and growing your wealth.

Bapcor newly ranked in Morningstar's global best ideas

Australian car parts specialists Bapcor has forged a place in Morningstar’s global equity best ideas list alongside global tech giants CenturyLink and Sabre Corp.

Trade row a 'double-edged' sword for Aussie plays 

The escalating US-China tariffs row is a “double-edged sword” for Australian companies doing business with the world’s two superpowers, says Morningstar Australia's director of equity research Adam Fleck.

'Captive capital' key to understanding LIC dividends 

There are fundamental differences in the way income is drawn from listed investment companies versus managed funds, explains Morningstar's Andrew Miles.

Investing basics: pay yourself first – the simple money habit to grow your wealth 

The earn-spend-and-save-what’s-left strategy cycle fails to produce results, but there is another way to save, writes Emma Rapaport.

WAAAX: Fundies warn Aussie tech darlings ‘too difficult to value’

Afterpay may be forging new ground in the US and UK, but some fund managers are avoiding it because they fear it is too hard to value and is at risk of being swallowed up by credit card giants Visa and Mastercard.

How to choose the best emerging market investment opportunities 

Morningstar Investment Management analysts explain why they prefer emerging market investment opportunities in Europe and Asia, and why investors need to be cautiously selective.