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The Australian share market is expected to open higher after a positive lead from Wall Street and despite escalating rhetoric between the US and China over trade.

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

This rare earths company provides a different exposure to consumer materials, has a clear path to revenue growth and is undervalued, says Morningstar’s Mat Hodge.

Avoiding emotionally-driven decisions is difficult, but you can reduce the likelihood of making behavioural mistakes when managing your investment 

James Packer has sold almost half his stake in Crown Resorts for $1.76 billion to a Macau-based entertainment company.

Global economic policy, equity market risk levels and higher duration in fixed income investments are three key areas Insight Investment’s Steve Waddington is watching over the shorter term.\n 

While market pundits can be quick to label various assets as bubbles, no alleged bubble has been so glaring and self-evident that it must inevitably lead to collapse, writes John Rekenthaler.

Telstra has announced it will record $500m in impairments in its FY19 results as it writes off its legacy IT assets, and increased its forecast annual restructuring costs due to expedited job cuts. 

The Australian share market is set to open lower after ending yesterday deep in the red amid deepening fears trade tensions will sap global growth.

The way managed funds are used by investors is constantly changing, and the active-passive debate is largely useless in helping investors identify sources of return.

Equities have been in rally mode for most of the past decade and it's not unreasonable to suggest that playing a little defence right now might be a good idea.

The Australian share market is expected to open lower after a negative lead from overseas as trade tensions keep risk appetite in check.

Superannuation funds are preparing for another wave of policy changes with a new-look Senate and a fresh face in the superannuation and financial services portfolio.

Globally oriented export industries are key pillars of the Bennelong Australian Equity Partners portfolio, says Julian Beaumont.

Australian hospital operator Healius and equipment provider Fisher and Paykel are among a list of defensive plays that are trading at a discount.

The market's reaction to the shock election result took top billing in our list of most read articles last week, alongside articles about bargain IPOs, retail stocks and the latest RBA interest rate decision.

Listed investment companies are popular closed-ended investment vehicles providing an easily-tradeable and transparent way to invest in equities but there are pitfalls, says Morningstar analyst Andrew Miles.

Morningstar has increased its fair value estimate for telco Vocus following a $3.3bn takeover bid by a Swedish private equity group, which is tipped to go ahead. 

The Australian share market is expected to open flat as markets in the US and UK remain closed for public holidays.

The election of a stable government is a huge positive for markets, says Morningstar fund research analyst Kaustubh Belapurkar.

Especially as markets dip and volatility ticks up, multi-asset investing can play a powerful role in investment portfolios, explains Insight Investment portfolio manager Steve Waddington.

The Australian share market is expected to open flat amid optimistic comments on trade from US President Donald Trump.

The end of another federal election cycle has brought renewed certainty around superannuation regulations for individuals, and many are also relieved at the somewhat surprising election result.

We all need a budget, regardless of our age, where we’re at in life, or whether we think we've 'made it' or not.

The Australian share market is expected to open lower after a negative lead from the US where trade fears forced investors to dump energy and technology stocks.

An investor who wants exposure to currencies can consider global bond funds, where currency moves have almost as much impact on performance as interest rate movement.

Share prices at NIB and Medibank bounced this week as Labor's election defeat scuttled several policies that would have likely increased member outflows and slashed margins, says Morningstar's David Ellis. 

Cloud-based accounting software firm Xero has booked a strong result but the WAAAX club member remains deep in overvalued territory, says Morningstar.

As exchange-traded funds that take country tilts, invest in fixed income and even provide exposure to unlisted assets take hold, there are new ways to hold a core allocation to ETFs without being overly concentrated, explains Vanguard's Axel Lomholt.

The Australian share market is expected to open lower after a six-day winning streak as trade tensions between the US and China bite.

A new book offers straightforward advice from start to finish.

Morningstar’s director of investor education Karen Wallace explores how initial prices are determined and ways to avoid overpaying for shares of a hot new IPO.

Morningstar equity analyst Johannes Faul analyses how Australia's largest listed retailers would hold up if a 1990s-style recession hit.

The share market is tipped to build on its fresh 11½-half year high at the open after a temporary US licensing reprieve for Chinese telco Huawei gave Wall St an overnight boost.

App-based channels are increasingly the preferred route for bookings – which companies are tapped into the trillion-dollar opportunity?\n 

Scott Morrison’s dramatic election victory has received an economic double-shot in the form of a mooted fall in interest rates and a loosening of access to home loans.

Christine Benz talks with J.P. Morgan's Anne Lester about sequence risk, spending volatility during retirement and how to adjust withdrawals over time.

Construction materials company James Hardie has cut its final dividend despite lifting full-year profit 57 per cent to $331m.

The Australian share market is set to open lower following a post-election surge in stocks yesterday and tensions in the US over Washington's curbs on Huawei.

We explore what the Coalition's surprise win could mean for Australian investors.

Australian government bond yields have dropped to record lows in recent times amid fears of a local and global economic slowdown.

The effect of the election on Ramsay Health Care dominated our coverage last week, alongside the policies that affect investors, and our overview of Gold-rate Aussie equity funds.  

Banking stocks have surged as investors react to the coalition's federal election win, driving the Australian share market higher.

The Australian share market is expected to open marginally higher on the back of Scott Morrison's sweeping, poll-defying election win.

The Liberal-National Coalition is capitalising on Scott Morrison's sweeping election win to pass through signature tax cuts in a bid to bolster a slowing economy.

Labor's sweeping policy recommendations on renewable energy would have a muted effect on utility companies, while the proposed electric vehicle target is both positive and negative, say Morningstar analysts.

Labor proposals include higher government-subsidised wages for workers, a boost to pre-school education funding, and a childcare subsidy increase - positives for childcare operator G8 Education.

The $8.6bn promised for the healthcare means more scrutiny on insurance premiums and rebates and more pressure on insurers such as Medibank and NIB.

Housing affordability is a pivotal component of Labor's platform, which contains policies intended to further reduce house prices. Morningstar finds some of the criticisms are overdone.

We begin part two of our election coverage by examining one of the most contentious aspects of the campaign: Labor’s plan to scrap cash refunds for excess franking credits.

Morningstar equity Grant Slade explains why packaging company Pact Group is undervalued and why new leadership will boost its turnaround strategy.

The Australian share market is expected to open higher following gains on Wall Street overnight fuelled by upbeat earnings and strong economic data.

Tax reform, housing policies and franking credits changes are some of the key battlegrounds as Australians head to the polls in what shapes as one of the hardest fought election campaigns in recent history.

More funds are formally considering ESG in their investment process, according to new research from Morningstar. But is this move a good thing for investors? 

The Australian share market is expected to open higher following gains on Wall Street overnight amid reports the US will delay tariffs on imported cars and parts.

The US equity market is the most overpriced on the planet and investors are better off considering opportunities in European financials and to a lesser extent Australian banks. 

The trade tensions buffeting equity markets this week have pushed some of the new entrants on Morningstar's Global Best Ideas list to new discounts. 

Greencape Capital, Fidelity International, and Schroders rank highly for their leadership, portfolio management, and shrewd investing approach.

Australia's unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points in April to a worse-than-expected 5.2 per cent, adding pressure on the Reserve Bank to deliver a rate cut. 

Morningstar equity analyst Daniel Ragonese analyses the ramifications for the mooted merger between AP Eagers and Automotive Holdings Group.

The Australian share market is expected to open higher following gains on Wall Street overnight as investors welcomed a tonal shift in US-China trade rhetoric.

CBA's strong balance sheet and market hegemony are enough to dispel a poor third quarter, says Morningstar's David Ellis, who retains an upbeat long-term view.

Morningstar Australia equities analysts discuss the latest Best Ideas picks.

Consumer confidence has edged up and households remain cautiously optimistic ahead of the federal election despite flat wages growth, which has bolstered the case for a rate cut.

Christine Benz discusses how investors should handle the turmoil, whatever the life stage.

Uber may have sunk on debut but the world’s largest ride-hailing company, which traces its origins back to one snowy cabless night in Paris, still has a path to profitability, says Morningstar.

Retirees face higher healthcare costs and greater inflation exposure, emphasising the importance of also holding growth assets in their investment portfolios, say financial planners.

The local share market is expected to dive after large falls on Wall St overnight as an escalation in the trade war battered sentiment and prompted investors to shift into safer bets.

Private health insurance rebates, the cost of private health insurance premiums, and Medicare rebates are the key election policy areas that will affect Ramsay Health Care.

Whether the US and China strike a new trade deal or not, this is not the time to get complacent about the long-term threat of conflict between the two countries, write Morningstar's Preston Caldwell and Stephen Ellis.

How a concentrated portfolio can also be diversified, and attract principles of quality, valuation, and low correlation with Sam Baldwin, portfolio manager at Guardian Capital

A look at new deadlines for SMSF members topped our coverage last week, followed by an examination of five ETFs attracting Aussie investors, and the pros and cons of hiring a financial adviser.

Australian shares are expected to open higher despite increasing trade ructions between the US and China weighing on markets. 

An understanding of how interest rates work is crucial as they can affect whether you get a good savings rate from your bank or solid returns from the stock market. 

Wider stock coverage, enhanced stock-screening tools and easier ways to find investment opportunities are just some of the features of Morningstar's new website. 

The hit fantasy series has a lot of advice that investors can use in real life, writes Ruth Saldanha.

The US equity market has rallied after the fall of late last year but pockets of value remain in consumers staples, while in Europe and Japan financial stocks appeal, says Bryce Anderson.

The world is shunning traditional methods of payment and instead using smartphones to buy what they want and companies old and new are cashing in.

Uber priced its IPO at the low end of its targeted range to value the company at $US82.4bn ($118bn), hoping the conservative approach would let it avoid the market chaos suffered by rival Lyft. 

Australian shares are expected to open lower after a negative lead from overseas and despite Donald Trump sounding an upbeat note on trade.

TPG remains undervalued regardless of any appeal outcome following the ACCC's rejection of the TPG-Vodafone merger, says Morningstar's Brian Han.

Self-managed super trustees need to be aware of an additional reporting deadline that falls next week, due to the $1.6m transfer balance cap introduced ahead of FY2018.

Australian shares are expected to open higher despite a late fall on Wall Street.

Morningstar equity analysts say buying opportunities remain in the world's second-largest economy, despite renewed investor fears of a US-China trade war. 

Vodafone Hutchison Australia says it and TPG Telecom will fight for the right to merge, hours after Australia's competition watchdog declared it would oppose the $15bn tie-up.

Chip makers Intel and Skyworks and casino giant Wynn Resorts are undervalued and remain highly competitive despite their vulnerability to trade tensions, says Morningstar.

Coveted brands such as Cartier and Mont Blanc give Swiss luxury goods titan Richemont superior sales power and investment value, says Morningstar.

Building product company CSR's full-year profit has been hurt by higher power prices and losses linked to the sale of its troubled glass business, while property market uncertainty is clouding its near-term guidance.

Diversified tech company Roper Technologies is the latest entrant to Morningstar US's wide moat club while health insurance provider Humana and cybersecurity firms Fortinet and Zscaler are worth keeping an eye on, writes Susan Dziubinski.

Link Administration has an upisde that the market is ignoring because it is too focused on superannuation reforms and Brexit, says Morningstar's Gareth James.

Australian shares are expected to open lower following big losses on Wall Street overnight, triggered by escalating trade tensions.

The newest and cheapest broad market Australian shares exchanged-traded-fund caught the eye of local investors over the quarter, attracting inflows of $108 million. 

The RBA has left the official interest rates unchanged at 1.5 per cent, resisting pressure to cut before the election and extending the record run of inactivity on rates to 33 months.

Uber, the largest ride-sharing provider outside of China, is tipped to boost market share on the back of growth in its food delivery service, despite failing to keep pace with rival Lyft.

Australia's largest supermarket Woolworths maintained sales growth momentum in third-quarter fiscal 2019 despite persistent competitive and structural challenges.

Australian shares are expected to open higher ahead of the central bank's decision on interest rates and despite Donald Trump's renewed threat to raise tariffs on China.

Macquarie Group has posted a record $2.98 billion profit for fiscal 2019 while guiding towards softer results next year, but Morningstar believes management is being overly conservative.

Senior equity analyst Gregg Warren asked Buffett and Munger questions during the annual meeting.

US President Donald Trump's latest inflammatory tweets on US-China trade may be part of a new cold war escalation, or simply an exercise in political posturing that has played out for centuries.

The run-up in share prices is leading some to believe that the old adage may play out this year, writes Nicki Bourlioufas.

Westpac has held its interim dividend despite the cost of refunding customers helping drag down first-half profit by 22 per cent to $3.296 billion.

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 SMSFs.

Australian shares are expected to open higher after Wall Street stocks gained at the end of last week but a dramatic U-turn on trade by Donald Trump could roil markets.

Medical waste, medical devices, and the global beverage market are three sectors where Lazard Asset Management's Warryn Robertson sees an opportunity to make solid gains.

National Australia Bank’s first half fiscal 2019 cash earnings of $3 billion mildly disappointed, falling 5 per cent below our forecast. 

Google-parent Alphabet remains on track for growth despite an earnings blip while Apple’s growth in services has offset poor iPhone sales, say Morningstar analysts.

National Australia Bank has cut its interim dividend by 16 per cent after posting a first-half cash profit of $2.95 billion.

Australian and New Zealand Banking Group’s first-half fiscal 2019 result beat our expectations due primarily to lower operating costs. 

Australian shares are expected to open higher despite a negative lead from Wall Street as energy stocks slipped along with oil prices.

Long-term contracts and high levels of debt are two key factors to understanding the way utilities and infrastructure stocks respond to rate movements.

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 30pc.

Morningstar's director of personal finance Christine Benz looks at when it's worth it to work with a financial adviser.

The Fed may have left interest rates unchanged but it's no time to get complacent as debt continues to grow and monetary stimulus is no longer a tailwind, says Jim Cielinski.

Australian shares are expected to open lower after a negative lead from Wall Street and diminished hopes of an interest rate cut in the US later this year.

Online jobs site Seek and real estate listings company Domain Holdings are likely to shrug off earnings downgrades and have strategies in place to boost their revenue streams, says Morningstar.

ANZ has beaten expectations with a $3.56bn first-half profit but falling house prices and royal commission fallout mean Australia's third largest bank says the sector will remain under pressure 'for the foreseeable future'.

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.