What the experts say

Mutual fund mayhem; Ditching your dogs; Sweet music, stable value

Mutual fund mayhem

The same financial crisis that ravaged your portfolio is shaking up the mutual fund industry, said Penelope Wang in Money. Several industry giants, including Fidelity and Oppenheimer, have cut staff in the past year, and more than 1,000 smaller funds have been liquidated or merged. Don’t let this turmoil “throw a wrench in your portfolio,” however. If your fund’s been ­gobbled up by another, scrutinize the new prospectus for changes in investment style. Also look for changes if the fund’s manager “gets the boot,” as many have or will. Finally, pay close attention to fees; “Morningstar predicts fees for stock funds are likely to rise.” If you paid higher-than-average fees previously, this is a good time to look for lower ones. If your fees are still reasonable, wait it out. “Chances are, expenses will fall when the market recovers.”

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