Morningstar (NASDAQ:MORN) is a leading provider of independent investment research, data and analytics. Founded in 1984 by Joe Mansueto in Chicago, the company set out to bring transparency to mutual fund performance and portfolio management. Over the decades, Morningstar has expanded its scope to cover a wide array of asset classes, delivering insights that support investment decisions across both public and private markets.
The company’s core offerings include comprehensive datasets, proprietary risk and return models, portfolio optimization tools and extensive fund and equity research. Morningstar Direct serves institutional investors with advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, while Morningstar Office Cloud caters to financial advisors seeking integrated practice management solutions. Through its Morningstar Data business, the firm aggregates and standardizes global market information, enabling clients to build robust investment products and strategies.
In addition to traditional investment research, Morningstar has broadened its footprint through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Products such as Sustainalytics deliver environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings and research, while PitchBook provides data on private capital markets. The company also offers credit ratings, index licensing and investment management services through its asset management arm. These diverse lines of business allow Morningstar to serve a spectrum of clients, from individual investors and registered investment advisors to asset managers, insurers and banks.
Operating in more than 30 offices around North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, Morningstar maintains a global presence that supports regional expertise and local market coverage. Under the leadership of President and CEO Kunal Kapoor, the firm continues to innovate in financial technology and research, aiming to empower investors with transparent, high-quality insights. Morningstar’s mission remains rooted in helping investors make smarter decisions by providing objective analysis and data-driven tools.
