Mutual Funds
Mutual Fund Basics
Achieving a diversified portfolio can be expensive and time-consuming if you purchase investments individually. Investing in a mutual fund can help make the process easier and less expensive.
Types of Mutual Funds
Learn about equity funds, bond funds and money market funds.
Specialized Mutual Funds
Specialized mutual funds include index funds, sector funds, socially conscious funds, funds of funds, target date funds and international funds.
Investment Objectives & Style
Explore fund objectives, fund manager investment styles, diversified vs. non-diversified funds and the risks of mutual funds.
The Value of Mutual Funds
Calculate the value of funds using net asset value (NAV), yield and returns.
Fees
Prepare yourself for potential fees associated with some funds including sales charges, shareholder and operating fees, other fees and how long-term investing affects fees.
Evaluating Mutual Funds
Evaluate mutual funds with benchmarks, finding the cost of investing, analyzing past performance and risk profile, looking at the management team and professional analyses, and reading the fund's prospectus.
Tax Considerations
In addition to costs and risks, taxes are always an important consideration in evaluating an investment. How you're taxed depends on the type of mutual fund in which you're invested.