Jake Buckwalter

Oil prices have been on a roller coaster in 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and shrinking global reserves. In this article, Financial Advisor Jake Buckwalter breaks down what's causing the volatility, why it matters beyond the gas pump, and what investors should be watching in the months ahead.

From powering artificial intelligence to enabling everyday digital services, data centers are transforming the U.S. economy. As capital investment surges and productivity accelerates across industries, these facilities are emerging as a major force behind GDP growth—and a key theme investors can’t afford to ignore.

Morningstar’s research leaders, Damian Conover and Dan Rohr, shared insights on the power of wide moat investing—focusing on companies with lasting competitive advantages and sustainable profitability. Their rigorous research process, independence, and long-term perspective align with investors seeking resilient portfolios. The VanEck Morningstar Wide MOAT ETF exemplifies this strategy, outperforming the S&P 500 in most five- and ten-year periods.