The struggle of brick-and-mortar real estate has extended into investment portfolios. Elevated inflation and high interest rates have weighed on the real estate sector over the past few years. Real estate investment trusts or REIT ETFs have not been spared. Yet these exchange-traded funds are popular among income investors. They generate cash and can help diversify a portfolio. So, where do they fit in yours? And which REIT ETFs do Morningstar analysts consider top picks? Dan Sotiroff is the associate director of US Passive Strategies for Morningstar. Dan is also the editor of Morningstar’s ETFInvestor newsletter.

Subscribe to Morningstar’s ETFInvestor newsletter. https://newsletters.morningstar.com/

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:26 Basics of REIT ETFs 

00:04:34 Active vs. Passive REIT ETFs

00:06:03 REIT ETFs’ Performance vs US Stock Market

00:09:20 Cutting the Tax Bill on REIT ETF income  

00:10:06 Top REIT ETFs From Vanguard & Schwab

00:13:48 Key Takeaways for Income Investors

Watch more from Morningstar:

How to Make the Most of Your IRA in 2026

3 Winners and 3 Losers from Emerging-Market Funds’ Big Rally

How New Retirees Can Spend More Without Risking Their Savings

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Thanks to its tax benefits, your IRA can be a powerful tool to optimize your portfolio. Investment firms often see a big influx of new contributions into individual retirement accounts in the early part of each year as investors rush to meet the April 15 deadline. If you’re one of the many investors adding new funds to your IRA, Morningstar’s director of personal finance and retirement planning Christine Benz has some ideas on how to make the most of those contributions and improve your portfolio in the process.

How to Get the Most Out of Your IRA Contributions

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:16 2026 IRA Contribution Limits

00:01:45 How to Decide Between a Traditional and Roth IRA

00:03:52 Stock Investing Mistakes to Avoid With Your IRA

00:05:20 How to Invest Your IRA When You're Early in Your Career

00:08:13 How to Assess Your IRA in the Middle of Your Earning Years

00:10:23 The Advantages of Non-US Stocks and How to Diversify Your IRA

00:14:30 How to Derisk Your Portfolio as You Approach Retirement

00:16:47 Rebalancing Your IRA Without Tax Consequences

00:17:48 Is it ever too late to Contribute to Your IRA?

Watch more from Morningstar:

3 Winners and 3 Losers from Emerging-Market Funds’ Big Rally

How New Retirees Can Spend More Without Risking Their Savings

Beyond AI: Are Quantum Stocks the Next Big Thing in Tech Investing?

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Editor's note: An earlier version of this episode published with the wrong episode name and description. Both have been updated.

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merging-market funds will have a tough act to follow in 2026. The category racked up big gains last year following small returns for years. And a mix of factors like trade tensions prompted many investors to shift their dollars outside the US. Should you add emerging-market funds to your portfolio? And which ones were winners or losers? Morningstar’s senior principal of ratings Russ Kinnel dug into the data. The editor of the FundInvestor newsletter is here to tell you want he found.

Subscribe to Morningstar’s FundInvestor newsletter.

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:20 Why Emerging‑Market Funds Surged After Years of Sluggish Returns

00:02:29 Market Shifts of Leadership in Asia

00:03:36 2025’s Winning Emerging-Market Funds

00:05:08 2025’s Losing Emerging-Market Funds

00:09:34 What’s Next for Emerging‑Market Funds in 2026?

00:10:21 How Fidelity Contrafund’s Will Danoff Built a Successful Stock-Picking Record

00:13:38 What Everyday Investors Can Learn from Danoff

Watch more from Morningstar:

How New Retirees Can Spend More Without Risking Their Savings

Beyond AI: Are Quantum Stocks the Next Big Thing in Tech Investing?

How to Generate Steady Income in 2026

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If you’re newly retired or will join the ranks soon, it’s time to think about how you plan to spend your nest egg. Morningstar researchers are helping new retirees figure out where to begin. The recently published State of Retirement Income report concluded that the starting safe withdrawal rate for people beginning their retirement in 2026 is 3.9%. That number might appear low. However, the team has analyzed several strategies to lift it to almost 6%. Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy Arnott has investigated the data and joined the podcast to explain flexible withdrawal strategies.

How Much Can You Spend in Retirement? Here’s Your Starting Safe Withdrawal Rate for 2026  https://apple.news/ALEEtAf1FTAm7WUFGvYvXVQ

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:26 Understanding the 3.9% Safe Withdrawal Rate

00:02:33 How Flexible Strategies Lift Withdrawal Rates Up to 5.7%

00:03:48 Flexible Approaches for Retirees Seeking Predictable Paycheck-like Income

00:05:40 Inside the Vanguard Dynamic Spending Method

00:07:15 Highest Lifetime Spending & Highest Starting Safe Withdrawal Rate

00:09:20 Leaving a Legacy and Strengthening Your Portfolio

00:14:30 4 Financial To-Dos to Kick Off the New Year

Watch more from Morningstar:

Beyond AI: Are Quantum Stocks the Next Big Thing in Tech Investing?

How to Generate Steady Income in 2026

All in on Magnificent 7? Where You Should Invest Next

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Quantum computing stocks have surged in popularity over the past year, capturing investors’ enthusiasm on the coattails of the artificial intelligence boom. These buzzy names took off last summer after a slew of announcements and research breakthroughs from the biggest players in the tech industry like Alphabet GOOGL/GOOG, Amazon AMZN and Microsoft MSFT. Quantum computing promises to be one of the most transformative technological developments of the next few decades, but Morningstar’s analysts caution that mainstream market adoption could be a long away. Dan Romanoff, a senior equity research analyst on the technology team at Morningstar, discusses new developments in the quantum computing landscape and the best way for investors to get exposure in their portfolios now.

Quantum Computing Market Insights

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:28 What Is Quantum Computing?

00:04:37 Why Are Computing Stocks Attracting Investors?

00:12:45 Quantum Technology Isn’t Yet Ready for the Mainstream

00:18:19Quantum Could Represent a $200 Billion Market

00:22:48Winners and Losers in Quantum Computing Stocks

00:25:28How To Invest in Quantum Computing Now

Watch more from Morningstar:

How to Generate Steady Income in 2026

All in on Magnificent 7? Where You Should Invest Next

9 Top ETFs for Income Investors That Stood Out in 2025

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Higher interest rates have ushered in an era where income opportunities abound. That’s following years of parched cash flow streams and low rates, especially in fixed income. However, risks like stubborn inflation and elevated stock valuations exist. Morningstar researchers believe it’s important to identify income opportunities that could be resilient in today’s market. Dominic Pappalardo, chief multi-asset strategist for Morningstar Wealth, joined Investing Insights to discuss where to look.

Editor's note: The host misspoke when referring to Morningstar Holland’s chief European market strategist. His name is Michael Field.

Income Investing Strategies for 2026: Maximizing Yield in an Uncertain Market

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:33 Income investing in 2026

00:04:02 Bond market breakdown: short, intermediate, or long term?

00:07:39 Global bonds and hedging strategies

00:13:27 Equity Opportunities Beyond the US

00:15:31 REITs vs Utilities

00:17:14 Building Resilient Income Streams

Watch more from Morningstar:

All in on Magnificent 7? Where You Should Invest Next

9 Top ETFs for Income Investors That Stood Out in 2025

Where to Invest in 2026 After This Year’s Market Volatility

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Is your portfolio making a big bet on the Magnificent Seven? Mega-cap names like Nvidia, Alphabet, and Apple belong to the exclusive club that has largely driven US returns higher in recent years. Their success has led to market concentration. Portfolios tracking broad benchmarks have seen their diversification decrease and risk increase. How can you prepare your portfolio to absorb potential shocks? And where are the opportunities beyond the Mag Seven? Morningstar Holland’s Chief European Market Strategist Michael Field is one of the researchers who investigated this.

Beyond the Magnificent Seven: Unlocking Value in a Concentrated Stock Market

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:49 The Magnificent Seven’s strong returns have benefited many investors. Why is their dominance a risk?

00:02:07 Your team highlighted a noteworthy stat in the report. The top 10 US stocks make up about 35% of the overall market. That’s almost double from a decade ago. What does that signal to you?

00:02:39 Can you explain what the hidden cost of market concentration is?

00:03:07 If the top stocks hold so much of the gains, where does that leave the rest of the market?

00:03:41 Let’s focus on key periods of market concentration. How does the current environment compare to the dot-com bubble?

00:04:11 And what about now versus the global financial crisis?

00:04:40 What if investors pulled back due to market concentration concerns in the last decade? Why would that have backfired?

00:05:51 How can investors manage the risk of market concentration in their portfolios?

00:05:50 Morningstar has identified investment opportunities for 2026. Why does the team favor US small caps over US large caps?

00:06:59 Another opportunity is the healthcare sector. What companies do Morningstar analysts think could fend off the competition for 10 years or more?

00:07:35 Morningstar encourages international diversification. Can you talk about the regions outside the US that look attractive for stock investors?

00:08:03 What’s the takeaway for diversifying beyond the Magnificent Seven in 2026?

Watch more from Morningstar:
9 Top ETFs for Income Investors That Stood Out in 2025

Where to Invest in 2026 After This Year’s Market Volatility

Why Betting Against Nvidia in the AI Arms Race Could Be a Mistake

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This week, we’re looking back at three discussions we held earlier this year on Investing Insights about exchange-traded funds that income investors might find attractive. Morningstar ETF specialists, Bryan Armour and Dan Sotiroff, talked about dividend, bond, and covered-call ETFs in 2025.

Subscribe to Morningstar’s ETFInvestor Newsletter.

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:33 Dividend investing can result in exposure to factors like value, quality, and low volatility. Can you briefly explain one, what is factor investing, and then where do dividend ETFs typically land?

00:03:21 How do you find a dividend ETF that provides the optimal, or just rightamount, of factor exposure? And what should appear on our checklist? 

00:04:40 Four dividend ETFs hold Morningstar’s Medalist Rating of Gold. Let’s start with the two dividend growth ETFs from Vanguard that hold these marks.

00:05:17 Explain why Vanguard’s top dividend income strategy also impressed Morningstar analysts.

00:06:07 The final and fourth Gold-rated dividend ETF mixes both income and growth strategies. Talk about the one from Schwab.Bond ETFs are having a banner year. Why are investors turning to these investments?

00:09:01 What makes a core bond ETF a solid portfolio building block?

00:10:02What’s the top idea that’s received high marks from Morningstar?

00:11:39We’re shifting from the least risky to the next level up, core-plus. What do these bond ETFs typically offer that an index-tracking ETF does not?

00:11:21 Can you tell us one intermediate core-plus bond ETF that’s earned a Gold rating from Morningstar?

00:11:56 Multisector bond ETFs take on a bit more risk than the previous two categories, and that comes with an expectation of more income. Should income investors skip the others and start here?

00:13:11It’stime for the third top idea. What multisector bond ETF should folks consider?

00:13:36 High-yield bond ETFs are the riskiest among the categories we’re discussing today. What additional risks are investors taking on for the juicy yields?

00:14:42 Morningstar does not currently rate any actively managed high-yield bond ETFs. Is there one that income investors should watch?

00:16:41What’s making covered-call ETFs so popular in 2025?

00:17:09 Their yields lookvery high. What is driving them?

00:18:31 What types of trade-offs are investors making?

00:19:51 Which covered-call ETFs do Morningstar analysts consider a solid choice for investors, and why?

Watch more from Morningstar:
Where to Invest in 2026 After This Year’s Market Volatility 

Why Betting Against Nvidia in the AI Arms Race Could Be a Mistake

Here’s What Your Retirement Spending Rate Should Be in 2026

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Market volatility has left its imprint in 2025. Turbulence from tariffs, tech, and more have shaken investors’ confidence at times. Many folks looked for safety during those down periods. Yet, the US stock market overall has delivered a strong performance. So, who are the leaders and laggards as this year comes closer to wrapping up? And what should you watch with 2026 fast-approaching? Morningstar Indexes strategist and columnist Dan Lefkovitz has examined this year’s investment performance.

5 Investing Surprises From 2025

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:02:45 Market volatility ebbed and flowed in 2025. How volatile was the US stock market this year compared to recent years? 

00:03:51 What has driven the volatility this year? 

00:05:16 During these down periods, where did investors hide or seek safety? 

00:06:04 Let’s zoom in on the investment leaders and laggards this year. What areas are outperforming, and which ones are underperforming? 

00:06:43 You research the performance of investment factors which can drive risk and return. What has been the leading factor this year, and why?

00:08:32 Leadership changed throughout the year. What caused those changes? 

00:09:33 Q4 will end in a few weeks. What areas should investors watch as we head into 2026? 

00:11:22 We’ve discussed market volatility in 2025. What takeaways can we bring with us into the new year?

Watch more from Morningstar:
Why Betting Against Nvidia in the AI Arms Race Could Be a Mistake

Here’s What Your Retirement Spending Rate Should Be in 2026

How ETFs Help You Cut Your Tax Bill

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A shift in mindset can help investors cope with market uncertainty.

2025 was a case study in the futility of trying to predict the market. Wall Street had lofty expectations for stocks entering the year. Then the tariff shock in April rattled the markets and many firms lowered their annual stock forecasts in response. They later raised them—after stock prices rebounded. With the new year on the horizon, Morningstar’s 2026 Global Outlook report is offering investors tactics to weather whatever the future may hold.

Morningstar strategists and an analyst will discuss key challenges facing investors in 2026 in our series. Dan Kemp, the chief research and investment officer with Morningstar Investment Management Europe, is one of the major driving forces behind the report.

We’re going to dig into research analyzing the AI arms race and its worldwide buildout. A team of Morningstar researchers have investigated the spending and the risks. Morningstar Research Services’ senior equity analyst Brian Colello was part of the effort. Brian also covers Nvidia. He discusses the AI king’s outlook, competition, and stock.

AI Arms Race: How Tech’s Capital Surge Will Reshape the Investment Landscape in 2026

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:01:48 We typically talk about your Markets Brief column, but today we’re focusing on “Morningstar’s 2026 Global Investment Outlook.” The theme is “preparing for what comes next.” What will investors looking for ways to cope with uncertainty find in this in-depth report? 

00:02:35 What makes Morningstar’s outlook different from other companies? 

00:03:21You’ve written about how a few ideas from the global investment report resonated with you. What are they, and why? 

00:05:01 As we wrap up our conversation, what’s a lesson from 2025 that you want investors to take into 2026?

00:07:13 Big Tech companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on the global construction boom. Where’sthe money going, and how does this spending compare to other sectors like energy? 

00:08:20 This massive buildout comes with execution and cost risks. What’s at stake if hyperscalers underestimate these challenges? 

00:09:54 How is AI affecting sector valuations? How does it compare to the tech bubble in the late 1990s? 

00:12:18 Morningstar believes many investors are already heavily exposed to AI due to Big Tech’s size in broad stock indexes. How can folks counteract that? 

00:14:31Let’s pivot to the AI industry leader, Nvidia. The chipmaker’s stock took a big hit when DeepSeek arrived in January. Nvidia became the world’s first $5 trillion company in October. What are your thoughts about the year Nvidia is having? 

00:17:20 Rival chipmaker Moore Threads recently made its market debut in China. What would it mean for Nvidia if China comes out with more advanced chips? 

00:20:12 Interest is growing in Alphabet’s AI chips. Can Nvidia fend off competition from one of its customers?

00:23:30 What is your outlook for Nvidia and other chipmaker stocks? And which do you think is undervalued? 

00:26:18What’s the takeaway for investors regarding Nvidia and the AI arms race?

Watch more from Morningstar:
Here’s What Your Retirement Spending Rate Should Be in 2026

How ETFs Help You Cut Your Tax Bill

Tax-Loss Harvesting Isn’t Just for Downturns. Here’s Why

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Most retirees want to spend as much as they can without having to worry about running out of money. Morningstar’s State of Retirement Income research analyzes retirement spending strategies to determine the highest safe starting withdrawal rate for new retirees in 2026. Christine Benz, Morningstar’s director of personal finance and retirement planning and co-host of The Long View podcast, breaks down the research and shares some ideas about how you can boost your retirement spending.

What’s a Safe Retirement Withdrawal Rate for 2026?

On this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome

00:00:46 Each year, you and your colleagues producethis really comprehensive research about retirement income. And as part of that research, you try toidentify what a safe withdrawal rate will be for the year ahead. 

00:01:59 What is that safe withdrawal percentage, and how did you arrive at that conclusion?

00:02:41 The 4% rule often comes up in the conversation around retirement spending. How does that compare to your base case?

00:03:30 I know there are some misperceptions about your retirement income research and what that safe withdrawal percentage means. What are they? 

00:03:28 So, how should retirees use this research?

00:04:51 The safe starting withdrawal rate that you found in your base case might feel a little low for some retirees. Are there other strategies that retirees can use to boost their spending?

00:07:02 So, flexible strategies are best suited for retirees that are focused on maximizing their spending. 

00:08:52 What kind of retiree would benefit from a more rigid strategy, like the fixed inflation-adjusted spending approach that you use in your base case?

00:09:26 How does asset allocation come into play? Would a stock-heavy portfolio support a higher withdrawal rate in retirement?

00:10:36 So far, we’ve focused on portfolio income strategies, but you also looked at nonportfolio income sources like annuities and Social Security. What did you find?

00:13:34 It seems like there’s some more nuance to the suggestion of delaying Social Security. Can you talk about that? 

00:14:50 How about annuities? Can you discuss some of the key considerations that income-centric retirees should bear in mind?

00:16:07 Studies have found that retirees don’t actually spend the same amount over the course of their retirement. What does actual retirement spending tend to look like, and how might that affect a retiree’s plans?

00:17:59Let’s talk about some scenarios that can throw off a retiree’s plan. One might be a market downturn early in retirement. What kind of impact could that have on spending? 

00:18:56 Another scenario might be retiring earlier than expected. What kind of implications would that have for safe withdrawals?

00:20:26 What is one final takeaway from the research that you want retirees to come away with?

Watch more from Morningstar:
How ETFs Help You Cut Your Tax Bill

Tax-Loss Harvesting Isn’t Just for Downturns. Here’s Why

Bond ETFs Are Surging in Popularity in 2025. Here Are 5 of the Best

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