Associate Analyst, Equity Strategies, Manager Research

The Group: Morningstar’s Research group provides independent analysis on individual securities, funds, markets, and portfolios. The Research group also provides data on hundreds of thousands of investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles, along with real-time global market data on millions of equities, indexes, futures, options, commodities, and precious metals, in addition to foreign exchange and Treasury markets. Morningstar is one of the largest independent sources of fund, equity, and credit data and research in the world, and our advocacy for investors’ interests is the foundation of our company.

The Role: As an Associate Analyst on the Equity Strategies team in Manager Research, you will play a key role in delivering objective, independent research on funds and other investment vehicles to help individuals, intermediaries, and institutional investors make better investment decisions. The position requires a passion for investing along with strong analytical, presentational and writing skills. In this role, you will research and rate funds and other investment vehicles such as separately managed accounts, while also developing broader investment expertise that contributes to the team’s thought leadership. The position is based in our Chicago office. We are in-office 4 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis using our databases, monitor regulatory information, interview portfolio managers, and perform on-site due diligence visits of asset-management firms.
• Develop clear opinions to support forward-looking ratings on funds and other investment vehicles based on research that focuses on the funds’ management, strategy, parent company, performance and expenses.
• Author analytical research reports, articles, and industry studies.
• Discuss ratings and reports with external institutional clients and internal investment management group.
• Monitor important developments in the fund industry and global markets.
• Develop expertise in various asset classes, asset management firms, and the overall industry.
• Capably navigate Morningstar’s database, document data errors, and surface ideas for database and methodology enhancements.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is required; a graduate degree and/or Chartered Financial Analyst® designation (or progress toward one or the other) is preferred.
• Passion for investing and for helping investors make better investment decisions.
• Excellent time management, analytical, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work at times independently, and at other times within a collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with programming languages (i.e. Python, R, MATLAB) a plus.

​To be considered for this role, please submit a resume. A cover letter is strongly recommended.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health

  • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary

  • Stock Ownership Potential

  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health 

  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages

  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual

  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

• Emotional Health 

  • Trust-Based Time Off

  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program

  • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave

  • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave

  • Adoption Assistance

  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities

  • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses

  • Tuition Reimbursement

• Social Health 

  • Charitable Matching Gifts program

  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program

  • Paid volunteering days

  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range

Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.