Fund Spy

Behind the accelerating shift from mutual funds to CITs on 401(k) plans.

Climate change has underscored the need for clean drinking water. Does that make investing in water funds a compelling option?

They are attractive, but investors should pay heed to more than yield.

Fund managers see the stresses on China’s property market as temporary and are on the hunt for bargains.

They have varying levels of effectiveness, but here are some ways to hedge inflation risk.

They have varied in their response to COVID-19.

These are the funds that passed our rigorous screens.

Fidelity stands above the rest during our annual HSA checkup.

Events in the Chinese market took center stage.

Bonds experienced mixed performance over the quarter.

Investors win again as two target-date behemoths continue to go toe-to-toe over which one is cheaper.

Tech led the way, and value underperformed.

Analyst staffs are important, but don’t stress about their numbers or traits.

While the markets flash red, emerging-markets bond fund managers take a long-term view.

We examine target-date providers' menus of available underlying offerings.

Short-duration high-yield funds are a less risky way to boost income and get protection from rising rates than most in the broader category.

We lowered our ratings on some funds from the biggest shops, including Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, Fidelity, and American Funds.

They have taken notice of recent investor behavior but aren't altering their processes.

A closer look at the traits associated with funds that have shut down in recent years.

These strategies’ potential shouldn’t cloud their risks or lessons from Vanguard’s own history.

A look at how these Morningstar Medalists have differentiated their portfolios from similar strategies.

Fixed-income investors are between a rock and a hard place: accept low returns or add incremental return at the risk of significant losses.

Prominent losses rattle these strategies.

Outside of vaccine-makers, few owned the fastest risers since the start of 2020.

Are they looking at it with open eyes or giving it the side eye?

Funds from Davis and Virtus SGA took the biggest hits.

T. Rowe Price funds lead the way on upgrades.

These funds might make big capital gains distributions later this year.

But beware of style differences in this broad Morningstar Category.

Private equity managers long for target-date funds, but the asset class' high fees and operational challenges keep it in the friend zone.

We've developed a slugging percentage for U.S. equity funds.

What does the market for green muni bonds look like, and where is it going?

The markets are hot, so consider these less risky funds.

Even some professional portfolio managers admitted that it is hard not to check at times.

Strong fund managers and processes drive these additions to the Morningstar Prospects list.

A respite from rising rates.

Thriving energy stocks helped some value funds outperform.

Growth led the markets, while value and Asia took a breather.

After bitcoin’s recent slide, it may be tempting to buy the dip. Here’s what to consider when thinking about adding it to a balanced portfolio.

Cash outflows and performance adjustments have pushed these funds' expense ratios up.

Stock managers especially watch large investors, activists, and insiders.

Advice, high-conviction active, and private equity are three big initiatives.

The winners represent the best of the asset management industry.

Amid a mixed start to 2021, here are three compelling options for a stake in the sector.

Here are some under-the-radar gems.

The lowest-rated bonds appear to be trading in more dangerous territory lately.

Four portfolio managers earn accolades for industry achievements.

Three managers to keep an eye on.

These three firms have long track records of putting investors' interests first.

The departure of these individuals would be cause for concern.