This week we’re looking at Investing for Income. Is your portfolio earning you the best possible rate of income? Are you prepared for this year's interest rate rise? We tell you how to maximise yield and where to find dividend payers in our Guide to Income Investing.

Thanks to the closed-end structure and careful stock selection Bankers Trust has grown its dividend for half a century. Morningstar Editor Emma Wall kicks us off with an insight into the success of this Trust with manager Alex Crooke.

Where Can Income Investors Find Dividends Now? The outlook for dividend stocks is looking gloomy - but there are still opportunities out there for the income investor. Evenlode's Hugh Yarrow reveals what to avoid and where to look.

Up next, George Boyd-Bowman manager of the Neptune Global Income Fund highlights for us 3 Global Stocks Offering Dividend Growth that could and should pay bigger dividends in the future.

You should be aware of high yielding stocks - they may not be sustainable sources of income. Instead stick to companies with lots of cash and a stable outlook says Evenlode’s Ben Peters who gives us his 3 UK Income Stock Picks.

Which Bonds Deserve a Place in Income Investors' Portfolios? With gilt yields falling - and inflation set to rise - should income investors still consider bonds as part of their portfolios? Morningstar's Dan Kemp says yes - but be selective.

There have been a slew of multi-asset income fund launches recently - targeted at the post-retirement investor. But what do fund analysts think of the offerings? Morningstar FUND ANALYST Randal Goldsmith explains more.

This week we’re looking at investment ideas for 2016. For example, Mining stocks, banks, emerging markets and high yield credit all fared poorly last year but in our first interview, Psigma's Tom Becket explains to Morningstar Editor Emma Wall why these are the areas you should consider for your 2016 portfolio.

After an exciting 2015 for Japan, does it still offer opportunities for growth in 2016? Morningstar's chief investment officer Dan Kemp reflects back on Japan’s performance last year and considers its prospects for the year ahead.

Should You Invest in Bonds in 2016? As UK and US central banks raise interest rates this year, so too will bond yields - and the price of bonds will fall. Up next, Emma Wall discusses if there is any merit in holding fixed income in 2016?

The U.S. economy is mostly insulated from a slowing China, but that doesn’t mean a smooth ride ahead for global stock markets. Bob Johnson, Director of Economic Analysis at Morningstar explains why China’s woes could cause global stock Market volatility.

Commodity markets may be volatile but stock valuations are compelling when balanced with funds able to bet against other expensive equities explains Premier’s Multi-Asset Growth & Income Fund Manager Simon Evan-Cook.

This week we’re rounding up what was hot and was not in 2015. For example, did you know that Investors sold more bond funds than any other asset class throughout the year?

Morningstar’s new editorial assistant Karen Kwok gives us the run down on what were investor’s favourite and what were their least popular funds in 2015.

Which closed-end funds have Morningstar readers favoured throughout the year? Morningstar Editor Emma Wall and Senior Fund Analyst David Holder reveal the top three investment trusts of 2015 as voted for by you.

Axa Distribution manager Richard Marwood called the end of the bond rally too early but says now we are poised for a rate rise and his portfolio is now perfectly positioned. Emma Wall had the opportunity to discuss with Richard on why being too cautious on bonds lost cash in 2015.

It has been a good year for investment trusts; closed-end funds saw record inflows, new fund launches aimed at income investors and performance fees cut. We return to David Holder, Senior Analyst at Morningstar who tells us all.

This year has been a landmark year for pension savers, auto-enrolment has created more pension savers than ever - with 20 million people now saving for retirement. And those at retirement have the freedom to invest how they wish says Emma Wall.

This week we’re focusing Investing in Asia. Asian equities can provide portfolio diversity – and boost long-term returns. But there are underlying geopolitical and corporate risks in the region.

Morningstar’s Senior Investment consultant and Portfolio Manager Richard Whitehall starts us off by explaining the things you should consider before investing in Asia.

Thanks to China's one child policy, its population is ageing - negatively impacting the economy. Will scrapping the policy be enough to kick start growth again? Hyung Jin Lee, Head of Asian Equities for Barings talks to Morningstar Editor Emma Wall to discuss if the change of policy is good news for investors.

Investors should not write off China's state owned enterprises, they offer investors potential for profit despite their public sector status explains Fidelity's Dale Nicholls up next.

After a very good run in 2014, the Indian stock market has disappointed year to date. But this creates buying opportunities as long as reforms take place. Henderson's Andrew Gillan explains why he still has a High Conviction in Indian Equities.

Different economies in Asia have different risk and return profiles. What Does Investing in Asia Bring to Your Portfolio? Morningstar's Arthur Wu shares some tips to get the most from investing in the region.

If your looking to add Asia exposure to your portfolio, whether investing in active or passive funds, then you should consider whether your risk appetite matches the risk profile of the investment explains Emma Wall.

This week we’re focusing on finding companies that reward shareholders with income. Income paying stocks can boost the value of your portfolio through total returns - and by choosing those equities that pay dividends you're often opting for high quality companies.

Morningstar Editor, Emma Wall starts us off by explaining why you should consider income investing.

UK equity income funds have performed very well since the global recession - buoyed by falling interest rates. But what happens now that rates are set to rise? Mark Wharrier, Manager of the BlackRock U.K. Income Fund gives us some tips on investing for income in a rising rate environment.

Exchange traded funds which only invest in income-paying equities are the most popular in the strategic beta universe. Emma Wall and Morningstar’s Passive Fund Analyst Kenneth Lamont examine how to pick the best income-paying ETF’s for you.

Looking for income-paying investments for your retirement portfolio? Up next Morningstar’s senior fund analyst David Holder picks three closed-end funds which are dividend heroes.

Your portfolio requirements can change once you are retired – Emma Wall rounds off our podcast today by suggesting you take a suitably cautious stance when you are solely reliant on investment income.

Do you know your asset allocation from you elbow? Do you know the difference between a bond’s coupon and its yield? Prepare to impress your friends and family – and win pub quizzes based within the square mile. This month on the Morningstar Podcast we’re focusing on Financial Education, and we’re going back to basics.

Morningstar Editor, Emma Wall starts us off by explaining the importance of taking control of your finances.

Diversification is extremely important in an investment portfolio. Equities offer investors the chance for profit over the medium to long term, but fixed income has also fared well proving the need for both explains Morningstar’s Senior Fund analyst Jose Garcia Zarate

So how do we go about blending assets to make a successful portfolio?

It is not enough to pick fantastic investments - you have to blend them together in a complimentary way explains Head of Multi-Asset for Liontrust, John Husselbee.

When Is it OK to Run Out of Money in Retirement? Capital preservation is important - especially at the beginning of your retirement. Emma Wall and JP Morgan’s Annabel Duncan discuss why you don't necessarily need to be afraid to let your assets dwindle.

The idea of putting money away for a pension that is 20, 25, 30 years in the future can be very challenging for some people who prefer spending on tangible purchases in the here and now. Investment Consultant for Redington Freddie Ewer discusses how we need to start changing social norms to boost our income for retirement.

The Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have hinted that interest rates will rise later this year, and while this is good news for savers – it could spell bad news for bond investors. This month on the Morningstar Podcast we examine how investors are reacting to the risk of the bond bubble bursting, and whether they should be worried.

Fixed income investors have benefitted from a bond rally lasting more than a decade - but after much warning the tide has turned, with both Gilts and corporate bonds losing cash this year. Morningstar Editor Emma Wall and Morningstar Portfolio Manager Emma Morgan discuss the latest developments in the Bond market.

How can you prepare for an interest rate rise? Bond investors use duration to bet on rising or falling rates, but what exactly is duration? Morningstar’s Senior Passive Funds Analyst Jose Garcia Zarate is here to explain.

Investors are losing confidence in bonds as safe haven assets, selling out of bond funds in favour of absolute return strategies and commercial property funds explains Morningstar’s Editor Emma Wall up next.

20 years ago bond yields were at 8%, now they are 3%. Gold-rated fixed income investor Ian Spreadbury talks to us about where the opportunities are in this low-growth market.

Remember that the benefits of diversification are that when something goes up, something else is going down. The important thing is to keep the overall shape of the portfolio in balance explains Morningstar’s Chief investment officer Dan Kemp.

This month we focus on How to Invest in Emerging Markets.

Emerging markets offer UK investors the potential for fantastic profits over the long term. But how do you define an Emerging market? Morningstar Editor Emma Wall takes us through the basics.

Emerging market equities and fixed income investments can be risky but if you take a long term approach these economies can reward you with profit. Who exactly should be investing in Emerging Markets? We go back to Emma Wall who suggests that Investing in Emerging markets is for everyone.

Should Investors Be More Worried About Greece or China?

As Brussels finally releases much-needed cash to Greece, should investors stop worrying about the eurozone and instead turn their attention to what’s happening in the Chinese stock market? We spoke with Anna Stupnytska, Global Economist for Fidelity for her views on the current situation facing both emerging economies.

Emerging markets investment legend Mark Mobius has stepped down as the lead manager on the Templeton Emerging Markets trust - so who is his replacement and will they be the new champion of emerging economies? Morningstar’s head of manager research UK, Jeremy Beckwith discusses this and more with Emma Wall next.

Don't want to asset allocate yourself? Then leave it to the professionals. Morningstar Analyst Muna Abu-Habsa gives us three global equity funds derived from emerging market companies that pay a healthy income.

The emerging markets you leave out of your portfolio can affect the performance as much as the ones you include. Premier's Simon Even-Cook explains the traps to avoid.

This month we focus on how to invest using active and passive funds.

Fans of passive investment often cite the cost of active management as a negative factor. But smart investors should consider more than just the price of a fund. Morningstar Editor Emma Wall speaks with Chris Traulsen, Head of Research for Morningstar on what else to look out for when choosing a fund other than its price.

Predicting how much a fund investment costs – whether it is active or passive – is near impossible says Emma Wall. Should flat fees become an option for the future?

With passive funds often performing just as well as actively managed funds at a fraction of the cost, why pay for active management? Active management is critically important for a functioning economy - as well as investors, says Mark Burgess from Columbia Threadneedle. Especially when stock markets are expected to move sideways.

Passive funds are precise tools that asset allocators can use to get exposure to different markets - although they are not risk free. So what are the benefits of passive investing? Emma Wall and Chief investment officer for Nutmeg, Shaun Port discuss this next.

Want to invest in UK equities? Once you have decided on the asset allocation, now it is time to choose which strategy is best to gain exposure. European Website Manager for Morningstar, Holly Cook, talks us through some options.

A healthy level of scepticism is required before appointing any active fund manager, and you should have a high degree of confidence that that manager can outperform any fees. Is balancing active and passive funds the way forward? Chief Investment officer for Morningstar’s Investment Management, Daniel Needham talks about using Active and Passive Strategies within a retirement portfolio.

This month we bring you the very best from our Investment Conference, featuring views from the brightest money minds around. First up, what the experts think of the different global investment regions.

In the UK interest rates have been at a record low level for more than six years but it is looking increasingly likely that the Bank of England will raise rates within the next year. Morningstar Editor Emma Wall speaks with J O Hambro’s Clive Beagles about Which Income Stocks Will Benefit from an Interest Rate Rise.

Lets now get an update from across the channel.

Henderson European equity investor John Bennett speaks with Emma about how euro weakness is good for stock markets and that if the euro strengthens it will quickly halt any outperformance.

Is it Time to Sell US Equites? Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen has said that US equities look fully valued and interest rates are due to rise imminently.

Emma Wall and US Equity Fund manager for Artemis Cormac Weldon discuss if investors should be curbing their US exposure.

For an Emerging markets update, we were extremely pleased to have Dr. Mark Mobius of Franklin Templeton speak to us at the Morningstar Investment Conference. Dr Mobius tells investors not to be put off by negative headlines and that Africa Offers the Best Emerging Opportunities.

Retirement was a key theme at the M* investment con¬ference this month. Many investors are confident they're saving enough for retirement.

When it comes to an income in retirement we found the public prefer income drawdown strategies to an annuity.

Conversely on the other side of the Atlantic, American investors are turning to annuities to provide a steady stream of income in retirement.

We get a view from Morningstar’s own Matthew Radgowski, on What Pension Savers Can Learn from US Investors.