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February is once again upon us and Australian listed companies are reporting their half-year results. We've tapped one of Morningstar's equity analysts for the top five things he looks for when reviewing results.

Internet behemoths Facebook and Amazon have beaten market expectations in delivering solid earnings results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.

Australian shares are likely to open flat after a mixed session on Wall Street overnight.

A series of votes on amendments to May's Brexit plan has left the Prime Minister with a large task ahead as the clock ticks towards the scheduled date of EU withdrawal

As expected, the US Federal Reserve has left rates unchanged, and adopted a 'patient' stance on future moves.

The late Vanguard founder, Jack Bogle, was a committed believer in index investing and the Cost Matters Hypothesis, says Morningstar's Russ Kinnel.

Australian shares are expected to open higher as the big miners ride surging iron ore prices that have increased more than 10 per cent since Monday.

Australian exchange-traded products held more than $42 billion by December last year, edging out listed investment companies total FUM for the first time.

A knack for identifying companies capable of doubling sales, forensic fundamental analysis, and a trailblazing approach to bonds have put this trio of funds on Morningstar's radar. 

Automotive seat maker Adient may be trading at a discount of more than 70 per cent but investors looking for a quick kill will have to be patient, because the turnaround risks being long.

Australian shares are set to follow Wall Street lower as fears mount that a slowing Chinese economy and tariffs will rattle US corporate profits.

TPG's abandoning of its mobile network plans holds two powerful implications for the company and its competitors, particularly Telstra, says Morningstar's Brian Han.

Frozen semen, taxi plates, and water vending machines are among the most exotic assets popping up in the portfolios of SMSFs new analysis reveals, even as the asset class continues to decline in popularity.

It's a full week of earnings, with Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft all trading in 4-star range ahead of their reports.

Apple's attempt to offset demand for slowing sales of its flagship product have backfired, after sales sagged during the holiday shopping season. 

The wealth of Australian households could fall this year as property prices drop and as share prices possibly correct further.

Australian shares are set to follow Wall Street lower as fears mount that a slowing Chinese economy and tariffs will rattle US corporate profits.

The upbeat outlook for listed real estate trusts dominated coverage last week, while the debate over Labor's franking credits policy continues to rage, and super returns limped into positive territory.

Finance and investing can sometimes feel inaccessible and opaque. A good podcast is a great gateway for the curious to access the world of money.

Morningstar has tempered its outlook for Challenger Financial, on the back of management's slashed earnings guidance for the first-half of fiscal 2019 and regulatory uncertainty.

The Australian share market appears poised to open higher following a mixed overnight session on Wall Street.

US stocks are still considered broadly expensive, but consumer staples is one area where lower valuations are creating opportunity, says Morningstar Investment Management’s Bryce Anderson.

NAB has finally joined its big four rivals in hiking variable mortgage rates, citing funding costs and shareholders.

Australian biotech CSL ranks among this multinational trio of successful stocks that meet a raft of environmental, social and governance criteria.

Australian companies are being urged to return cash to shareholders as investors face the prospect of Labor returning to office and axing cash refunds for excess franking credits.

Tumbling house prices may be forcing investors to question the merits of property investment versus other asset classes such as shares and bonds. 

Australian shares are set for a subdued open as Wall Street struggles for direction, with Chinese trade tensions and global growth concerns offsetting positive US earnings reports.

As a concept, the index has evolved hugely since Charles Dow created the first one in 1884, but what exactly are indices and what do they do?\n 

Super funds delivered their worst performance in seven years during 2018, returning an average of just 0.8 per cent across growth funds, research shows.

Parts of the mining sector still hold opportunity despite the changing dynamics of global energy consumption, slower Chinese growth and the rise of electric vehicles, writes Anthony Fensom.

Job losses, falling sales, emission scandals and the rise of electric vehicles have harmed sentiment towards auto stocks, which are now trading at low valuations.

Minimising home bias within their portfolios should be a key focus for Australian investors in 2019, says Tim Murphy, director of manager research, Morningstar Australia.

The Australian share market is tipped for an early slump as a gloomy global growth outlook and weak company forecasts end Wall Street's four-day rally.

Netflix ended 2018 on a strong note, but its ongoing use of cash and increasing competition from the likes of NBC, Universal and Disney hurt its prospects for 2019.

Stocks in metals and electronics recycling giant Sims Metal Management plunged 16 per cent yesterday after the company released a disappointing first-half earnings update.

AREITS are tipped to build on strong momentum and outperform the overall share market this year as investors adopt more defensive positions to combat volatile share markets.

Increasing your cash allocations can protect capital when the risk-reward trade off of being fully invested doesn't make sense.

Telecoms, anti-cancer treatments and state-of-the-art computer chips are just some of the areas where Morningstar sees opportunities among global stocks.

The Australian share market is set for a flat open following a downgraded global economic forecast, with no overnight lead from Wall Street on account of a US public holiday.

Chipmaker Intel and household name tech firm IBM are due to announce quarterly earnings this week, alongside Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Starbucks.

As the US Government shutdown moves into its fifth week, investors have growing concerns about what it will mean for the stock market

The ASX is tipped for an early lift on US-China trade optimist, but analysts fear the latest Chinese data will confirm a significant slowdown for Australia's major trade partner.

Our look at how the big four banks will fare in a challenging year ahead topped last week's coverage, alongside a deep dive into five undervalued global stocks and the ongoing chaos that is Brexit.

Australia's exchange-traded-fund industry is expected to deliver another record-breaking year, hitting the $50 billion mark in 2019, according to one ETF provider.

Millions of investors are better off because of Bogle's innovations and adherence to the notion that investing should be as cheap as possible and for the long term.

Total assets under management within the exchange-traded funds industry could rise as high as $45 billion in 2018, says BetaShares' Ilan Israelstam.

The Australian sharemarket is expected to open higher after Wall Street made solid gains overnight.

Think you have to have a wad of cash before you can try your hand at playing the market? Think again. We outline some ideas to pop your investing cherry.

When all else is falling, alternative asset classes such as hedge funds, soft commodities, emerging market debt and banks loans can offer decent returns, says Morningstar's Brad Bugg.

Several key domestic events will occur in 2019, including the handing down of the banking royal commission's final report, and elections of both federal and state NSW governments.

Australia remains relatively insulated from the Brexit drama playing out between the UK and European Union, insists Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Australian share market is expected to open slightly higher after US stocks rose following Theresa May's defeat of a no-confidence vote in the UK parliament.

Representatives from across the superannuation sector have slammed the Productivity Commission's controversial 'best in show' list as disruptive, bad for the economy and harmful to consumers. 

The ASX is expected to open flat after finance markets were pulled in opposite directions by optimism about the Chinese economy and pessimism about the  defeat of the proposed Brexit deal.

IOOF says its contract covering buyout of ANZ's pension and investments business OnePath has been delayed by at least three months, amid doubts over the deal's future. 

Spot prices for gold and copper rallied last week - but longer term, the trade dispute between US and China has weighed on metals prices.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has lost her Brexit deal vote in the House of Commons by 432 votes to 202 - the biggest UK government defeat in history

Morningstar expects the new offer for the adult education provider to succeed, lifting its fair value estimate by 5 per cent in response.

The inclusion of mainland China shares in more indexes including S&P Global, an expanding menu of active ETFs, and the potential for more ESG-focused funds are among trends investors can expect in 2019.

Younger Australians are more focused on short term financial goals; prioritising managing their income, expenses and savings over retirement planning.

2019 is shaping up to be a challenging year for Australia's banks. But Fidelity International's Kate Howitt says the big four should be able to withstand the pressure.

The Australian share market is expected to rise when it opens despite falls on overseas stock markets and base metals prices.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has warned MPs that failing to deliver Brexit would be catastrophic for democracy, two days before parliament is expected to reject her deal with Brussels.

Our look at six downgraded global stocks worth considering led this week's coverage, alongside a $105bn cancer drug mega-merger, and why you should be sceptical about the 'January effect' and other myths.

IPO activity is expected to slow this year amid sluggish growth rates and expectations that tightening monetary policy will cap capital raisings.

Morningstar has increased its fair value estimate for popular New Zealand classified website Trade Me after giving British private equity firm Apex Partners' takeover offer a strong likelihood of success. 

The ASX is set to open higher, after base metals prices rose at the end of last week and US stocks pared losses, as hopes rise about an easing of US-China trade tensions.

Fixed income assets will be even more important to investors’ capital preservation strategies this year than last, but some sectors are safer than others, says John Likos.

What are the benefits and risks of going robo for financial advice? And is robo advice right for you? 

Whether you're completely turned off at the thought of automated financial advice, or keen to give it a try, so-called robo-advice is gaining in popularity around the world.

Retail spending rose 0.4 per cent in November, beating market expectations, in a sign that Australians have embraced the Black Friday and Cyber Monday discount sales.

The challenge of creating a quality-focused share portfolio using only Aussie stocks is one of several reasons why a broader focus is important, says Morningstar Investment Management’s Peter Bull.

Australian shares are set for an early lift despite fading trade optimism, with investors awaiting the latest retail data.

The key tax advantage for a share trader is that losses can be offset against other income.

An oil supply glut has prompted a reduction in Morningstar's near-term oil price forecast, but has failed to dent its positive outlook on plastic packaging companies Amcor and Pact Group.

Disciplined investors always urge others to buy on the dips - but not all stock market falls create buying opportunities.

Australians could retire with an extra $500,000 in superannuation if the federal government makes changes to the $2.8 trillion sector, according to a new report.

The Australian share market is set to edge higher again as trade optimism between China and the US continues to lift global equities and commodity prices.

Just because a company has been downgraded by Morningstar doesn't mean investors should sprint for the exits, writes Susan Dziubinski.

The recent sell-off in tech stocks will have little effect on Seek's earnings outlook, says Morningstar, as the online job site looks to leverage its offshore expansion strategy.

The banking royal commission and other inquiries have shown product disclosure regulations alone are not enough to protect investors, especially from themselves, says The Chaser’s Julian Morrow.

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger has joined integrated utility Entergy Corp and financial powerhouse Wells Fargo & Co in Morningstar’s global equity best ideas list. 

Australian shares are set to climb again as global markets rally on trade talks between China and the US, which have entered a third day.

Australia's big banks are prepared for the worst ahead of the financial services royal commission's final report, which is due in a few weeks.

The resumption of a US-China trade war and the Fed’s ability to stave off recession are the most important global themes for Australian investors this year, says Morningstar’s Peter Warnes.

The complex task of comparing fees charged by superannuation funds could soon get easier if new rules proposed by the corporate watchdog are enacted.

At this time of year, you’ll hear a slew of common investing myths, like the 'January effect'. Learn why you should be sceptical about seasonal market trends.

Australian shares are set for a subdued open despite the imminent resumption of US-China trade talks, which helped fuel an overnight Wall Street rally.

Global asset managers are looking to US equities and emerging markets to offer value in the new year despite ongoing geopolitical ructions. 

Australian hospital operator Healius has rejected an 'opportunistic' $2bn takeover offer from its largest shareholder.

Drowning out the noise and creating personal policy statements are among Christine Benz's top tips for sticking to your strategy as the market downturn bites.

A look back at 2018 topped this week's coverage, which also examined Macquarie Group and A2 Milk, and weighed a topic many couples disagree on: when is a good time to retire and how much money should you have saved?

Early gains are tipped for the Australian share market after Wall Street surged on stronger-than-expected jobs data, while the Aussie dollar has spiked back above 71 US cents.

Technologies like mobile banking, robotics, electric cars and online retailing allow EMs to accelerate growth.

Trade wars, Brexit, recession risk and rising interest rates - Morningstar Investment Management have identified four key concerns and how investors should tackle them.

The US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates in December to take its 2018 tally to four. Can investors expect the same in 2019?

Our US$200 fair value estimate for the iPhone maker is unchanged as stronger services and wearables revenue should offset China weakness.

Australian shares are set to follow Wall Street lower as weak US factory data and a revenue warning from tech giant Apple stokes fears of a global economic slowdown.

Can Apple, Facebook and oil giant Exxon shares recover, will Tesla's Elon Musk stay out of the news, and will Pinterest justify its US$10bn price tag?

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co says it will buy Celgene Corp for about $105bn, combining two of the world's largest cancer drug businesses in the biggest pharmaceutical deal ever.

Australian hospital operator Healius has received a non-binding $2.02bn bid from a unit of its largest shareholder, China's Jangho Group, to buy it out.

Financial powerhouse Macquarie Group and infant formula brand A2 Milk marked a stellar 2018 by changing key personnel and bolstering their competitive advantage.

Australian shares are tipped to rebound after a dismal start to 2019, though the local dollar has dipped below 70 US cents for the first time in nearly three years.

Telstra, the big four banks and global-equity active funds were among the most researched investments among Morningstar.com.au members in 2018.

The big two markets of Sydney and Melbourne continue to drive a housing downturn but fresh property data shows the slump went well beyond city limits in 2018.

Smart investors prize metrics for what they surface, rather than deride them for what they can't.

Australian shares are set to slide on the first trading day of 2019, while a late New Year's Eve rise on Wall Street couldn't steer the US market away from its worst year since 2008.

More than 60 per cent of SMSF trustees say their share portfolio would shift away from local to overseas equities, according to a SuperConcepts survey.