This is a guide to the different types of mutual funds. When it comes to investing in mutual funds, investors have literally thousands of choices.
Before you invest in any given fund, decide whether the investment strategy and risks of the fund are a good fit for you. The first step to successful investing is figuring out your financial goals and risk tolerance - either on your own or with the help of a financial professional. Once you know what you're saving for, when you'll need the money, and how much risk you can tolerate, you can more easily narrow your choices.
Most mutual funds fall into one of three main categories - money market funds, bond funds (also called "fixed income" funds), and stock funds (also called "equity" funds). Each type has different features and different risks and rewards. Generally, the higher the potential return, the higher the risk of loss.
Money Market Funds:
Money market funds have relatively low risks, compared to other mutual funds. Investor losses have been rare, but they are possible. Money market funds pay dividends that generally reflect short-term interest rates, and historically the returns for money market funds have been lower than for either bond or stock funds.
Bond Funds:
Bond funds generally have higher risks than money market funds, largely because they typically pursue strategies aimed at producing higher yields. Because there are many different types of bonds, bond funds can vary dramatically in their risks and rewards.
Stock Funds:
Although a stock fund's value can rise and fall quickly (and dramatically) over the short term, historically stocks have performed better over the long term than other types of investments - including corporate bonds and government bonds.
You can purchase shares in some mutual funds by contacting the fund directly. Other mutual fund shares are sold mainly through brokers, banks, financial planners, or insurance agents. All mutual funds will redeem (buy back) your shares on any business day.
Making any sort of investment involved a certain amount of risk so it is always wise to seek the advice of a professional before making any decisions.
You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
maide service in Northbrook ...If you're like many investors who squander those small dividend... Read More
Now that you have some money burning a hole in... Read More
Picture one of those clubs where only the real heavyweights... Read More
Stock trading can be a very profitable activity. You can... Read More
Several times each month I am solicited by various market... Read More
The big bad bear is stirring again. So far he... Read More
The date October 13, 2000 will forever be embedded in... Read More
Just about now everyone is confused as to which way... Read More
If you were to find that you had some severe... Read More
When is a dividend not a dividend?The latest thing "conservative"... Read More
Both the stock market and oil prices rallied recently, which... Read More
There is a famous cliff on the ocean in Acapulco... Read More
Let's discuss commodities; with the latest Enron situation, it is... Read More
There has been great condemnation recently because China has been... Read More
The recent criminal fiasco in the mutual fund industry is... Read More
The following are a list of nine things you want... Read More
I was devastated!I just couldn't believe it. I was 10... Read More
Ever have one of those sample boxes of candy? Each... Read More
Robert Rodriguez likes to buy stocks at their lows. When... Read More
Options trading can increase the profits you make when trading... Read More
Investing in long-term financial vehicles give you the most gains... Read More
Whenever I see mutual fund comparisons in the trade publications... Read More
It is wonderful to be alive in the information age.... Read More
It depends on your level of understanding of the market... Read More
Inverted interest rates? What's that? Who cares? Even if you... Read More
same day cleaning service Morton Grove ...It depends on your level of understanding of the market... Read More
If you are fed up with early redemption charges and... Read More
Congress recently passed another new law that is supposed to... Read More
When the stock market is going up and all your... Read More
I use the P/E ratio as a secondary indicator for... Read More
The Bollinger Band theory is designed to depict the volatility... Read More
This is a rather simple strategy with which I am... Read More
Hello Inflation, it has been awhile, I see you on... Read More
Well maybe that's overstating it a little, but it's certainly... Read More
You probably know the story of Sherlock Holmes and the... Read More
Ever turn down a street, get half way and suddenly... Read More
Buy high and sell low -- It's not a typo.Millions... Read More
Starbucks earnings are up again and so is their stock... Read More
It is wonderful to be alive in the information age.... Read More
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are growing. Investors are choosing low... Read More
What is leverage?Here is a definition of leverage from an... Read More
Everyone who invests in the stock market wants to be... Read More
"Buy and hold" is one of the most heralded investment... Read More
What the heck am I talking about?It is often said... Read More
Has your broker been calling you recently with the "great... Read More
What does it take to be a stock trader? It... Read More
How is it possible that trash Companies are posting less... Read More
It seems that every day I turn on the TV... Read More
One of the greatest challenges of investing in stocks is... Read More
When it comes to buying a stock or mutual fund... Read More
Stocks & Mutual Fund |