Solutions

ARC FAQ and Time Saving Tips

Why can’t I find the managed fund I’m looking for?

Remember that all content on the Adviser Research Centre is based on the current Approved Product List preloaded by your organisation. Chances are, the fund is on the Morningstar database, but not available on your version of the Adviser Research Centre. Please contact Morningstar Client Services for more information.

Why are there so many versions of the managed fund I’m after?

When searching for a fund on the site, it’s important to remember most funds appear on multiple platforms, as regular investment trusts, superannuation products, etc. If you can’t narrow your search using Ticker or APIR, utilise the ‘Begins With’ or ‘Contains’ search options.

How can I be sure that a Research Report is up to date or current?

Any Research Report accessed from the Home Page will be a current report. When using the Research Reports page, any report without a red, bold “H” next to it is up to date. You’ll need to tick the box marked “Display Historical Results” in order to see any out of date reports. Timestamps on Research Reports often appear slightly dated because that’s when the qualitative assessment was given and carries forward to present. All data on the report is updated monthly.

I’ve noticed that a “Highly Recommended” fund does not have a Five Star Rating, and vice versa, why is this, and how do I explain this to my clients?

The Morningstar Recommendation is the qualitative assessment of a fund, graded from Highly Recommended to Avoid. The Morningstar Rating (or Star Rating) is a purely quantitative calculation of a fund’s risk adjusted return versus its peer group. It is based entirely on historical performance and is not a predictive measurement. It may very well be that the fund is having an average month in an otherwise stellar career. We advise you to please read all methodology documentation, especially “Two Processes for Fund Ratings”.

When I click a report or article to open nothing happens, what’s the problem?

Chances are your pop-up blocker is on. Depending on which browser you use, go to the Options menu and deactivate your pop-up blocker.

When selecting funds to run either Fund Profiles or Portfolio X-Ray on, how do I choose funds with a different name than the first funds I’ve already added?

Simply go back to the top search bar and do another search. Any funds you add to the bottom box will remain there.

How often is the information on the Fund Profile and Research Report updated?

Performance information is updated daily, research commentary as often as released by Morningstar (note the timestamp), and portfolio holdings and asset allocations as often as supplied by the fund manager.

How often are the Model Portfolio documents updated?

The regular Portfolio Reports will be updated on a quarterly basis. Any changes to the constituents may change at Morningstar and your organisation’s discretion.

How do I find out what funds are offered on what platforms?

Use the Fund Screener, and search using the Fund Platform dropdown box. Or this information is also listed on the APL lists, accessible from the Approved Product List page.

I’m looking for a particular managed fund’s performance, what’s the easiest way to do this?

Three ways, the first is to go to Fund Profiles, search for the fund, and generate a Fund Profile PDF; this report contains growth of $10k and trailing returns. The second method, and best if you’re looking to compare the fund to peers, is to use the Fund Screener and click the Performance tab on the results page. Last is to access the Fund Returns spreadsheet on the Fund Returns page.

What’s the best way to have a look at a managed fund’s portfolio and asset allocations?

Using the Portfolio X-Ray on just one fund will give the most comprehensive and quickest look into a manager’s portfolio. Generating a Fund Profile will offer a quick look at top 10 holdings, sector exposure, country exposure, asset allocations, and investment style.

All Morningstar reports seem to be a current snapshot, how do I generate something with historical or ongoing information?

The Investment Illustrator allows you to create portfolios at any point in time and carry that information forward. This extends to performance and holdings data. You’re also able to rebalance portfolios and allow for custom investment and withdrawal schedules.

What’s the best way for me to capture a new client’s pre-existing investment picture using the Morningstar Website?

The Investment Illustrator allows you to quickly generate an historical portfolio and compare with a saved model portfolio. All reports can be customised to include the client’s name and other details.

I’m looking for information or talking points that don’t pertain to a particular investment, where do I find this?

Looking in Market Review is the best place to find over arching commentary and analysis.

I’m looking for an old document that I don’t see on the Website, where is this?

Most sections of the site will have a More link; click this to access the archive. You can then simply rank the results by clicking the column headings.

What is that string of numbers at the top of my screen?

That is your IP range, since access to Adviser Research Centre is achieved via IP authentication, having these numbers available may prove to be handy. If you ever require your IP address for any reason, that is where to find it. Note: IP addresses do change over time.

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