All viewpoints
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All that glitters: the problem with speculative small caps
A third of all small caps are unprofitable, speculative companies that are vulnerable to volatility. For this reason, a focus on quality small caps matters to investors.
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U.S. interest rates: there’s no need for the Fed to step on the gas
As the economy displays signs of renewed strength, is the Fed right to shift into neutral gear? Or should U.S. interest rates head lower?
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Bond types that tend to fare best following yield curve inversions
Yield curve inversion alert—one of the most potent historical harbingers of economic recession flashed red recently. Find out what to do now.
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A second look at short duration bond funds: are investors missing the forest for the trees?
Allocations to short duration bond funds may not actually reduce a portfolio's overall risk. See why investors may want to reconsider the role that duration can play in reaching long-term goals.
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5 myths about 529 college savings plans
Although 529 college savings plans have been around for more than 20 years, many parents don’t understand a lot about them. Learn about some of the more common myths.
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Sector investing with ETFs
You can use sector ETFs to pursue a variety of objectives. We outline three common goals for investors to consider.
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4 things fixed-income investors need to know about bond credit ratings
Prices and yields of all fixed-income investments are influenced by the borrower’s creditworthiness. But how is it measured? We examine credit ratings—how debt is rated and what it means for bond mutual fund investors.
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Comparing funds in three easy steps
With more than 10,000 funds and ETFs in the United States, side-by-side comparisons can help you cut through the clutter. Powered by Morningstar, our Fund Compare tool makes it easy.
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Market history lessons: circumstances change—behavior patterns don’t
Circumstances change, but behavioral patterns endure. Learn how lessons from the past can inform your portfolio’s present and prospective positioning.
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ETF structure trumps ETF cost—what advisors need to know
The key to ETF due diligence is to shift the focus from cost to structure. We outline a series of questions to ask about what's under the hood of any ETF.
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