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EXPERT GUIDANCE

Industry experts give you a thorough grounding in investing concepts and strategies.

Choosing
mutual fundsWith Marc Lackritz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association

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The global portfolioWith Jeffrey Rosensweig, Goizueta Business School, Emory University

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ABOUT THE EXPERTS

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Get insights for your specific investment needs.

Comparing mutual funds, ETFs & UITs Index-based investment products, including index funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and unit investment trusts (UITs) share some basic characteristics and can help you diversify your portfolio.

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Socially responsible mutual fundsSocially responsible investing means different things to different people. But what all socially responsible funds have in common is a commitment to aligning investment portfolios with specific social, religious, or political principles.

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Understanding cost basis You'll need to know your cost basis before you can figure your profit or loss in a taxable investment account.

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Funds

Owning mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs) simplifies what many people find most perplexing about investing — deciding which securities to buy and when to sell, and achieving the right mix of investments to effectively allocate and diversify their portfolios.

For example, if there’s a particular asset class missing from your portfolio, you can add it in one step by purchasing shares in an ETF or mutual fund. Instead of worrying about picking the right securities, you’ll be exposed to the wide variety of stock, bonds, or other assets that are represented in the fund.

Despite the similarities between mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs, there are important differences as well. Learn about each of these investment products and how to use them effectively to meet your financial goals.

Mutual funds From capital preservation to aggressive growth funds, from broadly diversified index funds to narrowly focused sector funds, there’s a world of mutual funds to help you build a varied portfolio.	Exchange traded funds These hybrid investments — part individual security and part mutual fund — can help you diversify your portfolio.
Target funds Target date and target risk funds — also called lifecycle and lifestyle funds respectively — keep your portfolio aimed at a particular goal or level of risk.