Mutual Funds 101
When you’re in the market for a mutual fund, says Marshall Loeb in MarketWatch, how do you choose the right one from the hundreds available? The first thing to look at is your timeline. If you’ve got 20 years before retirement, go ahead and consider “a more risky sector like emerging markets.” If not, seek out a more conservative fund. The prospectus will tell you about the risk level of the fund and the sectors it invests in. And when looking at specific funds, cut through the “marketing lingo” and hone in on “three important factors: performance, management, and consistency.” An independent research firm like Morningstar will help you find “a well-managed fund.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.