Most investors incorporate bonds into a portfolio to provide diversification. Unfortunately, a smoother return path has not held true in recent years. But now the market has recalibrated, and yields have reset higher. Higher yields mean higher future returns. And for the first time in a while, you can make the argument that bonds provide true competition to stocks.

The “IKEA effect” describes a cognitive bias that happens when people put in some form of labor to complete a project or finish a creation. Direct indexing won’t solve the behavior gap, but it has the potential to create better investor behaviors by allowing investors to play a larger role in the portfolio-building process. 

Perhaps the most concerning issue for multi-asset investors as we turn to 2023 is diversification—or the lack thereof in recent times. And while this is not the first time that the “traditional” correlation between U.S. Treasuries and equity markets has broken down—people tend to pay less attention when both are producing positive returns—it has been one of the worst years on record for the total return of a 60/40 portfolio in 2022.Herein lies the merits of discussing an absolute return approach with clients.

Heading into 2023, bearish sentiment among investors is coming off a very low base, with some of the worst recorded data since tracking started 35 years ago. With a contrarian lens, this could be a positive. However, while the overall valuation landscape has undoubtedly improved, there are many assets which remain around fair value. In such an environment, we continue to balance opportunities against risks.

Individual stock prices move around much more frequently than business value. At Morningstar Investment Management, we embrace stock price volatility as it provides opportunities to improve our portfolios. We are more optimistic about the long-term outcomes for our portfolios today than we were at the start of 2022. Here's why.

2022 reminded investors of the risk from investing, but none of this makes losses palatable. As the old axiom goes, “there are no rewards without risk.” Here's perspective from Marta Norton, CIO, Americas, Morningstar Investment Management LLC.

While the principles of good investing haven’t changed, clients’ perceptions and their outlook for 2023 likely have. We believe in preparation, not prediction, when helping investors navigate the wide range of possible outcomes ahead. In the 2023 market outlook from Morningstar Investment Management, you’ll gain perspective on the current financial environment and positive steps to help address financial planning opportunities.