Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are necessary investments for investors both young and old. They provide essential diversification and can strengthen your returns over the long-term. But there are too many funds for any single investor to sift through. Luckily, our analysts give you the inside track on funds with the smallest minimal investments and funds that charge low fees, so you can maximize your performance.

Best & Worst Mutual Funds of 2012

By Susan J. Aluise, Aviation, Auto & Transportation Writer
Mixed-cap, small-cap and biotech stocks were the places to be in mutual funds this year. But if you went for metals or were generally bearish, you lost out.

Best Mutual Fund for 2013: Vanguard International Growth

By Dan Wiener and Jeff DeMaso
If you have been neglecting foreign stocks in your portfolio, Vanguard International Growth provides a path to foreign exposure for 2013.

Fidelity Cutting Fees on 8 Index Funds

By Kyle Woodley, Senior Investing Editor, Kiplinger
Fidelity Investments is lowering costs on eight of its Spartan index mutual funds, as well as lowering investment minimums across 22 funds.

The ‘Secret’ Behind Vanguard’s Record Year: Get Low!

By Dan Wiener and Jeff DeMaso
Vanguard continues to attract investors -- and their money -- by cutting costs to remain competitive in the mutual fund “price wars."

5 Great 401(k) Funds for 2013

By Jeff Reeves
Sometimes picking mutual funds can be just as confusing as dissecting individual stocks, but these five picks for the new year rank at the top of their class.

STHYX: A High-Yield, Low-Risk Bond Fund for the Fiscal Cliff

By Richard Band
There's a pocket of value among junk bonds of short maturity (five years or less), which have nabbed higher returns with less risk.

VDEQX – Vanguard Diversified Equity Fund Doesn’t Measure Up

By Dan Wiener
40 managers. 18 different investment firms. One giant mess at Vanguard Diversity Equity Fund.

Vanguard Fund Managers Weigh in on Bonds

By Dan Wiener
According to at least one Vanguard manager, bonds are now in a bubble. Therefore, stick to high-quality corporates in the current environment.

Best Mutual Funds Since the 2008 Election

By Dan Wiener
Financial advisers like to preach diversity ... and if this list of the best-performing mutual funds since the 2008 election is any indication, they're right.

5 Mutual Funds for Aggressive Investors

By Tom Taulli, InvestorPlace Contributor
Using funds can be a safer way to hike the risk/reward ratio. Here are five funds that let you have your cake and eat a little of it, too.

Wait and See on Vanguard’s New TIPS Offering

By Dan Wiener
As a money fund alternative, VTIPX holds promise -- but let the managers work out the kinks first.

5 Top Mutual Funds So Far in 2012

By Tom Taulli, InvestorPlace Contributor
The year's best mutual funds include plays on health care, emerging-market debt and global real estate.

Are Asset Managers Doomed to the Dustbin of History?

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
What does the rapid growth of the ETF industry mean for second-tier mutual fund companies? The short answer: nothing good.

AUDIO: Dan Wiener Tackles Strategy, VGHCX and Fund Picks

By Dan Wiener
Dan Wiener, editor of The Independent Adviser for Vanguard Investors, talks to Money Life about a spread of mutual fund news and tactics.

5 Mutual Funds to Get Defensive With

By Tom Taulli, InvestorPlace Contributor
If you're convinced the bear is eventually coming back to bite us, consider getting into one or all of these five mutual funds with defensive postures.

Changes at Vanguard’s Health Care Fund as Owens Retires

By Dan Wiener
After starting Vanguard Healthcare in 1984 and a stellar career, Ed Owens is stepping aside as Jean Hynes, a veteran at Vanguard, will assume Owens' role.

Longtime Vanguard Health Care Manager Owens to Retire

By Kyle Woodley, Senior Investing Editor, Kiplinger
Vanguard announced Wednesday that longtime Vanguard Health Care manager Edward Owens will be stepping down at the end of 2012.

5 Mutual Funds to Tap Emerging Markets

By Tom Taulli, InvestorPlace Contributor
Despite recent sluggishness, emerging markets still represent some of the best growth potential in the markets. Get plugged in through these five funds.

5 Funds to Play a Europe Rebound

By Tom Taulli, InvestorPlace Contributor
It could be time to make a move.These funds focus on Europe in a variety of ways -- and all are standout performers.
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