RSSCOMPANIES: INDUSTRIES:
Know Target-Date Fund's Strategy Before Investing
Andrew Leckey
Forget about resting easy. Target-date funds, billed as confidence-building vehicles that gradually shift your holdings into more conservative fixed-rate instruments as their date nears, have caused some sleepless nights. Investors stashed money in these one-stop retirement plans so they didn't have to worry about making their own allocation decisions. But it has become clear they need to better understand the basic
Festive Times for International real estate Funds
Andrew Leckey
Let's get the party started: An overseas run-up in real estate funds is rocking. International real estate funds are up 38 percent in 2009, or about 100 percent above their market bottom in March, according to Lipper Inc. Global real estate funds that also include U.S. companies are up 28 percent this year.
Investing - PIMCO Fund Family Has Excelled During Downturn
Andrew Leckey
The PIMCO fund family gets a gold star for insight and early detection of the housing and mortgage debacles, resulting in strong results throughout many of its funds over the past three years. 'PIMCO and the strength of its bond portfolios has really stood out as a perceived advantage for it during the downturn'
Best Mutual Fund Families
By Katy Marquardt
In a recent survey, more than 3,000 financial advisers weighed in with their picks of the top fund families. Criteria included consistency, ethics, trustworthiness, sophistication, and social consciousness. The survey was commissioned by Horsesmouth, an online adviser community and kasina, a financial services consulting firm. But since straight rankings reveal only so much, We asked a handful of financial advisers which fund families they favor and why.
Mutual Funds Stage a Comeback: Time to Forgive and Forget?
By Katy Marquardt
After spending much of last year in the doghouse, mutual fund managers have now had two quarters in 2009 to regain the faith of investors. Many of last year's losers are now posting solid gains over the S&P 500
Stock Market Roller Coaster Ride
M. Ryder)
The Case Against (Some) ETFs
By Kirk Shinkle
Touted as a revolution in transparency, cost, and access to exotic investments, ETFs are now being slammed for inefficiencies, hidden fees, and opaque structures. Some experts argue that ETFs are just the latest means for investment advisers to hoist flawed products on unsuspecting customers. ...
7 Tips for Picking a Target-Date Fund
Emily Brandon
Many retirement savers think they can put their investment choices on cruise control if they use a target-date fund. These funds offer a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash that the fund manager automatically adjusts to become more conservative over time, based on the retirement date the participant selects. But it's best to take a look under the hood before stashing your nest egg in a target-date fund. Here are some tips for finding a target-date fund that is right for you.
5 Funds That Are Off to a Fast Start in 2009
By Katy Marquardt
Categorywise, large growth, midsized growth, and small growth funds have fared the best so far this year (although small companies have led the rally over the past three months). But not all of the top performing funds fall into one of those categories. Here's a look at some of the front-runners among diversified U.S. stock funds ... But beware ...
Mutual Funds Jobs & Careers Search
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How To Avoid Costly IRA mistakes
Common pitfalls include high costs, poor performance.
Muni Bond Madness
A search for safe havens and a federal program to free up credit for cities have sparked a rally in tax-exempt bonds.
Caterpillar Suit Could Lower 401(k) Fees
Company agrees to investor-friendly changes.
China's Consumer Stock Gems
China as export power is yesterday's story.
Last Chance For Junk
High-yield debt has already had its price run-up. What's left is just some pretty good yields.
Unhealthy Health Savings Accounts
Worried that hidden fund fees are devouring your 401(k)? Your health savings account may be next.
Third-Quarter Fund Update
A solid performance for U.S. and international equity funds in the third quarter extends the gargantuan gains since March.
The Trouble with ETNs
Exchange-traded notes can provide access to oddball assets and cut your tax bill.
Investing in European Funds
Asian markets are bubbly. Consider Europe.
Municipal Bond Mess
Some "municipal" bonds are debts of busted housing developments. Beware.
Forbes.com: Mutual Funds News
Mutual Funds News from Forbes.com
U.S. Weak Dollar Policy Big Threat To Economy
Why inflating our way out of debt will be a disaster.
Two Picks, One Pan In Health Care
Regardless of the outcome of health care reform, you can make money off of these strongly trending health care stocks.
Finding Fertile Ground In Oversold ETFs
When selling gets excessive in an issue that's been trending higher, the snapback is usually powerful. Look at financials and biotech.
Hunting Global Growth With ETFs
Exchange-traded funds focused on Australia, Singapore and emerging markets should be in your global growth portfolio.
Riding China's Wake
Here's why you should be long dollars, long commodities and short euros, and here are the ETFs that let you make these bets.
The Sunny Side Of Alternative Energy
Solar stocks are back in the bright spot. Check out these three for bullish plays.
Closed-End Fund Bargains
Yields are nice but they're not the most important factor in choosing a closed-end fund. Check its discount to net asset value.
Aussie ETF Spread Tastier Than Vegemite
Australian bulls play the market rally with ETF options, while technology names get a lot of love from traders.
Option Bulls Charge Into Home Builders, Airlines
Even as share prices slumped, bullish traders lock into a bullish position on home builders, while loading up on Delta calls too.
The Trouble with ETNs
Exchange-traded notes can provide access to oddball assets and cut your tax bill.
Momentum Oil Trade Hits The Skids
Technical indicators can give you a warning of danger ahead for a stock or ETF. The price channel for USO is screaming sell.
Forbes.com: ETF News
ETF News from Forbes.com
Where to Get 50X Leverage on Stock Indices
Last Friday, Jason Kelly put up a very funny blog entry about his launch of a pair of fictional 100x levered ETFs, with the ticker symbols SOAR and SINK: Kelly Capital will reset and relaunch the funds at the beginning of each trading day. The company is in talks with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the possibility of relaunching the funds after lunch should they go bust in the morning session, but the SEC is balking. SEC spokesperson Ben Meriwether remarked, “We recognize the right of investors to employ as much leverage needed to find fortune or ruin in a day, we just aren’t sure of the need to extend that right twice per day.”
Felix Salmon submits:
Complete Story »
A Tale of Two Markets: Overvalued Stocks and the Declining Dollar
Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said after a Nov. 16 speech in New York that it’s “not obvious” that asset prices in the U.S. are out of line with underlying values after a 64% jump in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index from its March low. My favorite charts to exemplify this are the 1-year charts on GE (GE) and Bank of America (BAC). Here they are, one on top of the other. Considering their debt issues (and trillions in derivatives), is it not obvious that they are very over-valued? Didn't Bernanke hear Meredith Whitney's interview with Maria B. on CNBC this week? Are these not super-inflated bubbles?
Marc Courtenay submits:
You would see the same thing if you saw the chart for Citigroup (C).
Complete Story »
Buy-Write ETFs: Minimizing the Market's Angst
Volatility in stocks making you antsy once again? Wondering if you should pull an itchy trigger finger and sell? In truth, cash is going to make its way back into stocks, bonds commodities, currencies… anything… as long as borrowing costs are so low. So you can expect dip-buying on pullbacks, corrections and dips for 6-9 more months.
Gary Gordon submits:
Complete Story »
The iShares IYT: Transportation Triple Top
The current technical "triple top" on the chart of the IShares DJ Transportation Average ETF (IYT) has an interesting fundamental basis. The ETF formed a double top in mid-October and then began a period of rapid decline falling 12%, from $73 to $64, in nine days breaking a “swing low” made in the beginning of the month. The subsequent “Dow Theory” speculation threatened to pull down the industrial sector but Warren Buffett came to the rescue. The November third announcement that Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated (BRK.A) would purchase the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNI) caused the stock price of BNI to gap up 28% on the day. BNI is the largest holding in the IShares ETF and it rebounded 10.5% in 11 days recovering the September and October highs. The components of the IYT, after moving in sympathy with the BNI announcement, have begun to come off and this pullback has created a distinct triple top on the chart.
Complete Story »
ETFs and the Carry Trade: DBV vs. ICI
While there are historically low interest rates in the United States (as well as rates of 0.1% in Japan), many other developed countries, including Australia and Norway, have begun to raise rates as a sustainable economic recovery has taken hold. With virtually all of the major central banks meeting in the next three weeks, currency news will certainly be in focus as 2009 winds to a close, with investors playing the “carry trade” paying particularly close attention.
ETF Database submits: 
The carry trade involves a relatively simple strategy: investors borrow in low cost currencies (such as the the yen and the U.S. dollar) and then invest the proceeds in high yielding currencies (such as the Australian dollar). If exchange rates remain stable, investors profit off of the interest rate differential, while an appreciation of the high-yielding currency will further enhance returns. There is, of course, risk of loss if the higher-yielding currency drops in value, a very real possibility in almost any environment.
Complete Story »
XME: Action in the Metals, Mining ETF
By Chris McKhann The XME mining exchange-traded fund has been in a powerful uptrend for a year, but the puts were active yesterday.
optionMONSTER submits:
Complete Story »
Small Caps in Malaysia? There's an ETF for That
IndexIQ is coming out of the gate as a bit of an enigma. The new Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA) at first glance seems odd to me. There have been several articles already that have ripped it up for not really being an arbitrage product and I will say I don't get why shorting the broad market against long positions in takeout targets is the best way to go, but clearly they did not get a crappy result from the backtest and decided, "well even though the backtest is lousy we'll run with it anyway." But that is not what I wanted to talk about. IndexUniverse has reported that IndexIQ has filed for a bunch of single country small cap ETFs. The countries included are Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. They also filed for global small cap industry funds; agriculture, natural gas, crude oil and gold (Market Vectors may have beaten them to the punch on that last one).
Roger Nusbaum submits:
Complete Story »
Junior Miners: Poised for Impressive Gains
Like all commentators, I am somewhat constrained in what I write about: it has to be a subject in which people have interest. Sure, I could write about Greek mythology or backpacking in Bolivia, but if no one reads it, it becomes a fruitless exercise – and raises that cliché question “if a tree falls in a forest...?” Regular readers will have noticed that I have been writing about precious metals mining companies more often in the last few months – and this is no accident. In my interaction with readers/investors there has been a sharp rise in awareness of and interest in these companies.
Jeff Nielson submits:
Complete Story »
Junior Gold Mining ETF (GDXJ) Outperforming Its Bigger Sibling
VanEck Market Vectors Junior Gold Mining ETF (GDXJ) has only been on the market for 7 trading days, but in this limited timeframe it has outperformed its large cap peer, the standard Market Vectors Gold Mining ETF (GDX) by over 2%.
Microcap Speculator submits: 
Complete Story »
First Trust Launches Smart Grid ETF
Amid the flurry of new ETFs coming to market this week, it appears I missed the launch of First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) on Tuesday (11/17/09). This ETF focuses on stocks in the electric energy infrastructure and distribution grid subsector. The fund will typically invest in companies engaged in electric grid, metering equipment and devices, networks, energy storage and management, and enabling software used within the smart grid infrastructure. The underlying index uses a modified capitalization weighting with “pure play” companies receiving an 80% allocation and “diversified” companies receiving just a 20% allocation. The expense ratio will be capped at 0.70% for two years.
Ron Rowland submits:
Complete Story »
ETF Market Trends: Bears Launch Major Assault on Bulls
ETF Market Direction Summary: 11-19-2009 It looks like we are back to the fundamentals as concerns of economic recovery were exacerbated by a negative housing foreclosure update that confirmed the real estate crisis is spreading to the prime market. An economy bleeding jobs at a minimum monthly rate of 500k is the underlying cause.
J Clinton Hill submits:
Complete Story »
Golden Shorting Opportunity, if Stocks Pull Back
If stocks start to make their long anticipated retest of support, all kinds of opportunities arise from this very extended rally. Here’s just one. The Central Bank of India bought 200 tons of bullion from the International Monetary Fund. The IMF thought they were getting a great deal, selling their bullion at the "height" of the market in order to raise cash to help struggling nations.
Gold Daily Chart- Chart Courtesy of AVA FX (11 Nov 19)
Complete Story »
Thursday ETF Roundup: VXX Jumps, Small Caps Sink
The recovery showed signs of falling into chaos on Thursday, with Treasury Secretary Geithner facing a firestorm in Washington as lawmakers called for his resignation and Dell reported a decline in profits of more than 50%. Elsewhere in the world, EU leaders (as expected) selected Belgian Premier Herman van Rompuy as the bloc’s first full-time president.
Michael Johnston submits:
The ETFdb 60 Index, a benchmark measuring the performance of the universe of investable assets available through ETFs, dropped 9.58 points, or 0.9%, to close at 1,015.39. The day’s largest decliners featured a trio of small cap ETFs, as the iShares Russell 2000 Value Index Fund (IWN) shed 2.6%, the Russell 2000 Index Fund (IWM) lost 2.5%, and the Russell 2000 Growth Fund (IWO) shed 2.4%. Mid cap indexes lost about 2%, while S&P ETFs lost about 1.3%.
Complete Story »
Can UNL Tackle the Natural Gas Contango That's Plagued UNG?
By Lara Crigger Can USCF's new fund tackle the natural gas contango? United States Commodity Funds' new ETF, the U.S. 12-Month Natural Gas Fund (NYSEArca: UNL), began trading yesterday, offering investors another easy access point to the natural gas market. But let's hope it sees smoother sailing than its controversial cousin, the U.S. Natural Gas Fund (NYSEArca: UNG).
IndexUniverse submits:
Complete Story »
Commodity Investing: ETFs or Mutual Funds?
One of the questions it comes down to is whether you prefer active or passive management. The differences between mutual funds and ETFs still exist when considering funds that cover the commodities space. (Why mutual funds want in on ETFs).
Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits: 
The exchange traded fund (ETF) world and the mutual fund industry are competing for investors left and right, and the commodity sector is no exception. The choice for exposure is now readily available in both forms. But which is superior?
Complete Story »
Earnings Fears Weigh on Technology ETFs
Technology ETFs have hit a wall in recent days, slumping on news of an analyst downgrade to Research in Motion, slashes in projected semiconductor demand, and weak earnings reports from several internet companies. With an uncertain holiday shopping season ahead, the fate of the technology sector is very much up in the air, and technology ETFs could be on the move in coming weeks. BMO Capital Markets cut their rating on Blackberry maker Research in Motion (RIMM) on Wednesday, pointing to increased competition from Verizon (VZ) as consumers opt for less expensive smartphones. Also weighing on the tech sector were weak results from Salesforce.com (CRM) and Autodesk (ADSK), which lost about 3% and 10%, respectively, during yesterday’s session.
Michael Johnston submits:
Complete Story »
UNL: A Better Natural Gas ETF than UNG?
U.S. Commodity Funds, the issuer behind ultra-popular commodity ETPs such as UNG and USO, has launched the United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund under the ticker UNL. The investment objective on UNL is to reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the changes in average of the prices of 12 NYMEX natural gas futures contracts, consisting of the near month contract to expire and the contracts for the following 11 months. UNL will “roll” near month futures contracts when they are within two weeks of expiration. UNL is very similar in some ways to the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG), but very different in others. UNG has become one of the most popular exchange-traded commodity products this year as investors have sought out ways to gain exposure to natural gas prices. Due to the physical properties of natural gas, storage by an ETF issuer is nearly impossible (and would be prohibitively expensive). So in order to gain exposure to natural gas, UNG invests in near month futures contracts, rolling its holdings to the second month futures contracts as expiration nears.
Michael Johnston submits:
Complete Story »
Regional Bank ETFs: The Bad and the Good
Let’s start with the bad news.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits: 
The financial fiasco is still too clear in our memories and some of the inimical legacies are spilling over into the regional banking industry. But, regional banks, along with related exchange traded funds (ETFs), may get a helping hand from the government.
Complete Story »
ETF Sector Detector: Healthcare on Top, Materials Bottom
WLP), Cigna (NYSE: CVH), STEC Inc. (Nasdaq: STEC), and Corning (NYSE: GLW).
![WLP](http://www.optionmonster">OptionMonster</a> submits: </strong><p>We are seeing only slight movement to Sabrient’s Sector Detector ETF rankings, as Healthcare, InfoTech, and Consumer Staples continue to lead, while Materials sinks further into the cellar and remains the fundamentally most overvalued sector. </p> <p><strong>Latest rankings:</strong> This week, SectorCast-ETF indicates that Healthcare (<strong>XLV</strong>) remains solidly in front on a forward-looking basis, with the highest score of 93. <span>It is again followed by Information Technology (<strong>IYW</strong>) at 67. (Although Consumer Staples has<img src="http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2009/11/19/saupload_sabrientsectorcast_etf_111309.JPG" align="right" hspace="6" vspace="6" width="287" height="270" /> moved up 1 point to tie InfoTech, we’ll stick with InfoTech for this week.) Top-ranked stocks within these sectors include WellPoint (NYSE: <a href=){kind=link}
Complete Story »
Barclays Launches No-Reset Leveraged ETNs (with Confusing Names)
Be careful what you wish for. For all the leveraged fund critics that either do not like or do not understand daily (or monthly) reset of leverage and want a vehicle without path-dependent performance, your wish has come true. However, unless you bought them yesterday, you will not be getting the exact 2x or 3x index exposure you desire. You can’t have everything. Five new ETNs (exchange-traded notes), dubbed ETN+, from Barclays began trading yesterday (11/18/2009). When Barclays sold their iShares business, it appears that all their marketing and product naming people were also part of the deal. Here are the official names, but they won’t give you any clue as to the leverage employed:
Ron Rowland submits:
Complete Story »
ETFs News and Commentary from Seeking Alpha
'ETF' Tag RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com
Fund of hedge funds see strong net inflows in Q3
The fund of hedge fund sector experienced strong net inflows during the third quarter, with positive absolute returns in each of the individual months, according to a report by Standard & Poor’s.
Institutional investors believe hedge fund fees are too high
Almost 80 per cent of institutional investors believe hedge fund fees are too high, according to the 2010 Preqin Hedge Fund Investor Review.
Hedge fund managers crossing over into mutual funds space
Hedge fund managers are crossing over into the traditional money management space of mutual funds, according to Schooner Investment Group.
Hedgebay index reveals two-tiered hedge fund market
The October edition of Hedgebay Trading’s monthly index has shown that the purchase of hedge fund assets is being driven by two prevailing sentiments among investors, creating a two-tier hedge fund market.
The Future of Offshore Funds 2009
Despite a more complicated economic and regulatory environment, offshore funds can continue to thrive by building on their virtues of tax neutrality and independent oversight by a network of third-
Market reversals mute hedge fund performance in October
The Credit Suisse/Tremont Hedge Fund Index posted a slight gain of 0.13 per cent in October as market reversals muted performance.
Gartmore intends to list on the London Stock Exchange
Gartmore, a traditional equity and alternative asset management firm, intends to proceed with an initial public offering and application for listing of its ordinary shares to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.
J.P. Morgan adds 40th derivatives collateral management client
J.P. Morgan has added its 40th derivatives collateral management client.
BNY Mellon appointed hedge fund custodian by The Sturgeon Fund
BNY Mellon Alternative Investment Services has been appointed as global custodian by The Sturgeon Fund, the Central Asia focused hedge fund managed since 2006 by Clemente Cappello.
Armajaro appoints co-head of sales and marketing
Armajaro Asset Management has appointed Roxanne Sargent as co-head of sales and marketing.
Hedgeweek
Is an ETF Better Than a Mutual Fund?
You asked for it. You got it. The ETF vs. mutual funds debate from all angles. Only this time you get the facts from the ETF Guide and the Mutual Fund Guide (that's me). I couldn't say it better myself, so here's what the ETF Guide writes on his blog, "Mark Kennedy meet Lee McGowan. ETF Guide meet Mutual Fund Guide. Lee and I collaborated on our latest article comparing ETFs to mutual funds. The new piece gives you the story from both sides. Is an ETF better than a mutual fund or is a mutual fund better than an ETF? We both have our opinions, as you will see." Mark goes on to say, "But wait, there's more! We also give you the inside scope on the tax implications of each product, the benefits, the risks, the whole enchilada. So without further ado..." Is An ETF Better Than a Mutual Fund? Is an ETF Better Than a Mutual Fund? originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 21:35:42.
Reader to Me: “…you don’t know anything!”
Just like any writer, I receive both positive and negative emails and comments from readers. You should see the latest zinger. I have to admit, I wish the statement would have included some evidence backing up his comments. Rather than deleting what he wrote, I've decided to share it. A couple of lines from Guest Dan's comments include telling me that I "don't know anything" and that I should let "someone write an article that doesn't like mutual funds." You can read Guest Dan's entire statement (and a few other readers' statements) in "Readers Respond." While I would like to find Dan and ask him what he means by "tell the truth" and ask him why I would want a biased person to write an article, I think the more productive question would be to ask him to comment on my original question that he didn't answer: "As with any investment structure, mutual funds have their advantages and disadvantages. What do you think are the most disadvantageous features of mutual funds?" So why am I bothering highlighting this comment when, until now, I didn't highlight the fact that my blog was named a "Top Investment Blog" by an ETF blogger (yes, an ETF blogger of all people)? Well, I, selfishly, want to highlight a blog post that might have helped Guest Dan understand my views on mutual funds and ETFs. Reader to Me: “…you don’t know anything!” originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 18:09:59.
Vanguard says, “There’s an app for that…”
Vanguard is cutting edge. They have a Facebook page, a blog, e-newsletters and now, an iPhone/iPod Touch application. So, if you have an account with Vanguard and you're compelled to view your account online and on the go: "There's an app for that." Tell us if you are interested in viewing your investment accounts on your phone:
Vanguard says, “There’s an app for that…” originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 16:28:03.
ETFs: Look Beyond the Hype
If you understand the ETF structure, then you know when an ETF resembles a closed-end fund. If you own the more exotic or specialty ETFs or if you are considering owning one of these ETFs (ETFs that do not hold traditional individual securities such as stocks), then do yourself a favor and understand the potential pitfalls of the ETF structure --  such as when an ETF resembles a closed-end fund. Why? Well, let's look at an example of an ETF that behaves like a closed-end fund.  Recently, the Powershares DB US Dollar Bullish (UUP) stopped issuing new shares (as of November 5th). UUP even stopped trading for a period during the day on November 5th. The fact that UUP stopped issuing new shares is not, unfortunately, a new problem for ETFs. Several commodity-based ETFs have had the same issue over the past year. Why is this a problem? The problem is that many advocates of ETFs will tell us that ETFs are priced at or close to the value of the underlying holdings of the ETF. The creation-redemption feature of the ETF, in part, allows for this benefit.  If there is a dislocation in the market that disrupts the creation-redemption feature, then you have an ETF that resembles a closed-end fund, which defeats this espoused feature of the ETF and you are not getting what you pay for which are the underlying securities (a similar issue exists with closed-end funds). Fortunately, for UUP investors, the problems were resolved by the end of the trading day. But what this tells the ETF product manufactures is that the kinks of the ETF structure need some work. Want to learn more? Read the basics: ETFs Challenging Mutual Funds? ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: An Active vs. Passive Debate Read the more advanced: New Challenges for Commodity ETFs An Emerging Problem for this ETF ETFs: Look Beyond the Hype originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 15:42:35.
Fidelity on International Investing (About Time)
Fidelity is increasing their international exposure. It must be the recent strength in the international markets and the media hoopla about the falling dollar that pushed this fund behemoth to increase their international weightings in their target-date funds to 30% from 20%. But they've done more than just increase weightings in some funds. Fidelity has also posted a "Fidelity Viewpoints" piece on their Web site regarding international investing and diversification, has increased their equity research operation by opening research offices (in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo), and has increased their global stock coverage by 40% since 2006. So, Fidelity, it's good to see that you are on board with global investing, but how about increasing your international investment options (and weightings) in your 529 education savings plans? Related Articles from About.com Mutual Funds: A Primer on the Falling Dollar International Funds and the Falling Dollar Fidelity on International Investing (About Time) originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 11:56:41.
401(k): Good News, Bad News
Contrary to Chicken Little, 401(k) investors don't think the sky is falling. The Investment Company Institute (ICI) released data that showed Americans are still contributing to their 401(k) plans.  There was a lot of data in the ICI study. One particular piece of the study found that 401(k) loan activity has been flat for a decade and that hardship withdrawals and contributions are "in line with historical numbers." Popular opinion might believe otherwise; hard times might have forced savers to take loans/withdrawals from their 401(k) plans. ICI's study is just part of the story. The ICI study shows the rosy side of the story; those that are working have remained disciplined. On the other hand, Hewitt Associates found that 46% of employees who left their job last year took a cash distribution from their 401(k). This number, according to Hewitt Associates, surprisingly, hasn't changed since 2005. So, according to these studies, it doesn't appear that 401(k) investors (whether employed or unemployed) have significantly changed their behavior -- whether good or bad. Related Articles: How to Invest in Mutual Funds in Your 401(k) The 401(k) Has Failed. Admit It. 401(k): Good News, Bad News originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 11:26:22.
Vanguard -- Index vs. Active
I have been blogging about ETFs vs. mutual funds for the last few months. I made the argument that the debate regarding ETFs and mutual funds should first be a debate regarding indexing versus active-management. This argument raised several questions. Readers want to understand more about indexing (and passive management) and active mutual fund management. If you have the same questions, Vanguard's site has a comparison of the two styles or you can start by reading one or more pieces I have written on the topic. See the below links. More on Active vs. Passive Management Index Funds vs. Actively Managed Funds Vanguard -- Index vs. Active originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 10:52:17.
An Emerging Problem for this ETF
There's been so much misguided, hyped information regarding ETFs, that I have enjoyed writing several pieces in the past month on several of the flaws and myths surrounding the investment structure. This past week I read an article that's worthy of pointing out. IndexUniverse.com highlights two ETFs that track the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, but have very different returns. Vanguard's VWO and iShares EEM both track the emerging markets index, but they differ in return by four percentage points. Why the disparity? It turns out that VWO holds all of the stocks in the index (full replication strategy) and EEM holds only a portion of the stocks in the index (optimization strategy). This optimization strategy hasn't worked well for EEM. Optimization strategies are also used by index mutual funds. In some cases, index funds and ETFs may hold a subset of the stocks in an index if the index includes a number of fairly illiquid names or, simply, owns a lot of stocks. The moral of the story is that you need to know what your funds own (whether it's an ETF or a mutual fund), by reading the prospectus. An Emerging Problem for this ETF originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Sunday, October 18th, 2009 at 22:44:31.
Profiting from the Falling Dollar
Budget deficits, interest rate differentials, and diversification of foreign currency reserves are several of the buzzwords and phrases associated with the volatility of the greenback. If you are a reader of the popular press, then you may feel overwhelmed by the proliferation of the aforementioned buzzwords and phrases associated with the falling dollar. Do you think that the future of our beloved dollar is dismal at best? Maybe it's time to learn the basics behind how a US investor profits from the falling dollar. Profiting from the Falling Dollar originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 20:50:28.
Vanguard Raises the Yellow Flag
I've posted on the blog and written articles about the perils of choosing mutual funds based on recent performance. It's refreshing to see that a mutual fund company is throwing up the yellow flag on a few of their own funds. Vanguard writes, "Strong 2009 performance warrants yellow flag." They highlight several of their mutual funds that have performed well year-to-date and caution chasing those hot returning funds. In fact, shortly after the article, they closed one of those hot performing funds. Vanguard Capital Value Fund has returned 68.5% year-to-date and is not accepting money from new investors. Read my related article entitled, "Should You Buy Last Year's Top Performing Funds?" Vanguard Raises the Yellow Flag originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 11:02:06.
About Mutual Funds
Mutual Funds
Corrections: RS fund managers' stock picks
On Nov. 20, a MarketWatch column misidentified the mutual fund that owns the selected stocks and misspelled a portfolio manager's name. The column has been corrected.
The Stockpickers: Fund managers hunt small-caps that can grow bigger
Like other mutual-fund managers who focus on small- and midcap stocks, Scott Tracy and Melissa Chadwick-Dunn go through their investments with a fine-tooth comb.
Mutual Funds Weekly: 'Halloween Effect' scares stock-market bears
The seasonal pattern known as 'The Halloween Effect' has shown up on Wall Street most every year for decades and frightened away the bears. Maybe that's why they hibernate in winter.
FundWatch: Commodities the ticket for global fund managers
Global fund managers are hedging their bets against future inflation and pouring more money into commodities and emerging markets, according to a monthly survey released Wednesday.
FundWatch: Funds bet Build America Bond deal gets extended
The first mutual fund and exchange-traded fund focusing on Build America Bonds came to market on Tuesday, suggesting that investors believe lawmakers will continue support for these new, taxable municipal securities.
ETF Investing: Investors pull money from small-cap ETFs
Investors are pulling money out of small-cap exchange-traded funds as the group shows signs of weakening, and that could spell trouble for the U.S. market overall.
Corrections: Some fund investors pay money for nothing
On Nov. 13, a MarketWatch column miscalculated the 12b-1 fees for a $100,000 portfolio. The column has been corrected. See corrected column.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Value-fund investors win the waiting game
Value-stock investors are a confident lot, always on the hunt for the diamond in the rough and sure they'll be among the first to find it. And now, they're moving to the large caps.
Chuck Jaffe: Fund sales charges are on the way out
A bill in Congress could force a major change in the way mutual funds are bought and sold through advisers.
FundWatch: Supreme Court may set tougher fund fee standards
The Supreme Court may soon issue a ruling that puts more pressure on mutual-funds to justify their fees.
MarketWatch.com - Mutual Funds
MarketWatch, a leading publisher of business and financial news, offers users up-to-the minute news, investment tools, and subscription products.
3 reasons not to ditch Dodge & Cox International
Last fall Dodge & Cox International made big bets in the emerging markets and in economically sensitive stocks it considered undervalued, such as financials. By the end of 2008 the portfolio had sunk 47%, making it one of the worst-performing foreign large-value funds last year.
Why you should buy health care stocks now
With health care stocks cheap compared to the rest of the market, Tom Forester thinks that a bad-case scenario health care bill is already priced into the sector.
How to be an emotionless investor
It's one of the truths of mutual fund investing: You buy the manager as much as the prospectus. So it pays to have someone you trust.
Living on Chinese stocks
Third Ave. Value Fund: (TAVFX) Manager: Marty Whitman Return since 12/01/08: 56%
A fund battles back: up 45% this year
Longleaf Partners Fund: (LLPFX) Managers: Mason Hawkins and Staley Cates Return since 12/01: 70%
What you can learn from a closed fund
Vanguard Primecap Core: (VPCCX) Return since 12/01/08: 47%
Hunting for bargain-bin value stocks
Fairholme Fund: (FAIRX) Manager: Bruce Berkowitz Return since 12/01/08: 53%
Funds that are way up: Osterweis
Even great fund managers have bad years.
Strategies for a slow-go market
Chances are, your 401(k) is looking a lot healthier these days, now that stocks have soared more than 40% in just the past six months. But don't get too used to investing in the fast lane.
Investing in the 'new normal'
Money manager Ron Muhlenkamp gets a lot of credit for his bold, macro-driven investing style, and he deserves it: His namesake fund has returned 9% annually over the last 15 years, 2% better than the S&P 500.
What's next? Ask the bond market
When it comes time to plot out your investment strategy, you probably focus most of your attention on how equities are doing and pay scant attention to the inner workings of bonds. But ignore the fixed-income market at your peril.
Fidelity Contrafund open for business
Over the past decade, Fidelity Contrafund manager Will Danoff did something the stock market couldn't: He made money, returning 2.3% a year. His fund also beat 95% of the portfolios that invest in large, fast-growing companies.
Nothing absolute about 'absolute return' funds
After two of the worst bear markets in history, you're probably craving reassurance. Well, the mutual fund industry is hungering to give it to you.
Adventurous mutual funds for uncertain times
Today's market is particularly tough for individual investors. Stocks have been wildly volatile, bonds offer low yields, and the experts caution that even when the economy recovers, growth will be weak and inflation a threat.
Sweetening the dividend deal
You know that you're supposed to invest with your head and not your heart. But the truth is, a thriving stock market requires a lot of faith - in the economy, in corporate America, and in the promise that your investments will make you money in the long run.
Make fear and greed work for you
Fear and greed.
Betting it all on emerging markets
After being shell-shocked by nearly two years of brutal losses, investors are finally emerging from their T-bill and CD foxholes, looking for bigger returns. And high up on their wish list are emerging-stock funds.
Bill Miller bounces back
Last year it looked as if the era of the celebrity fund manager was finally, definitively over. The best and brightest had not only failed to avoid the financial meltdown but did worse than the market as a whole. Now some are staging a comeback.
The ultimate mutual fund portfolio
Our collection of five funds and five ETFs provides broad diversification and leaves the hard work to some of the savviest managers in the business.
Mutual fund advice and news - CNNMoney.com
From CNN and Money magazine, CNNMoney.com combines business news and in-depth market analysis with practical advice and answers to personal finance questions.
Corrections: RS fund managers' stock picks
On Nov. 20, a MarketWatch column misidentified the mutual fund that owns the selected stocks and misspelled a portfolio manager's name. The column has been corrected.
The Stockpickers: Fund managers hunt small-caps that can grow bigger
Like other mutual-fund managers who focus on small- and midcap stocks, Scott Tracy and Melissa Chadwick-Dunn go through their investments with a fine-tooth comb.
Mutual Funds Weekly: 'Halloween Effect' scares stock-market bears
The seasonal pattern known as 'The Halloween Effect' has shown up on Wall Street most every year for decades and frightened away the bears. Maybe that's why they hibernate in winter.
FundWatch: Commodities the ticket for global fund managers
Global fund managers are hedging their bets against future inflation and pouring more money into commodities and emerging markets, according to a monthly survey released Wednesday.
FundWatch: Funds bet Build America Bond deal gets extended
The first mutual fund and exchange-traded fund focusing on Build America Bonds came to market on Tuesday, suggesting that investors believe lawmakers will continue support for these new, taxable municipal securities.
ETF Investing: Investors pull money from small-cap ETFs
Investors are pulling money out of small-cap exchange-traded funds as the group shows signs of weakening, and that could spell trouble for the U.S. market overall.
Corrections: Some fund investors pay money for nothing
On Nov. 13, a MarketWatch column miscalculated the 12b-1 fees for a $100,000 portfolio. The column has been corrected. See corrected column.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Value-fund investors win the waiting game
Value-stock investors are a confident lot, always on the hunt for the diamond in the rough and sure they'll be among the first to find it. And now, they're moving to the large caps.
Chuck Jaffe: Fund sales charges are on the way out
A bill in Congress could force a major change in the way mutual funds are bought and sold through advisers.
FundWatch: Supreme Court may set tougher fund fee standards
The Supreme Court may soon issue a ruling that puts more pressure on mutual-funds to justify their fees.
MarketWatch.com - Mutual Funds
MarketWatch, a leading publisher of business and financial news, offers users up-to-the minute news, investment tools, and subscription products.
First Mutual Fund Investment in Microfinance in India
CHENNAI, India, November 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A recent micro-loan
securitisation, completed by IFMR Capital and Equitas Micro Finance, has
enabled the first ever mutual fund investment into the Indian microfinance
sector. The Rs. 480 million ($10.4 million) transaction is backed by over
55,000 micro-loans originated by Equitas Micro Finance, a Chennai-based
microfinance institution with approximately 700,000 low-income clients. The
transaction was structured by IFMR Capital, which operates as a financial
guarantee company for sectors impacting low-income households, and which
co-invested in the junior tranche of the securitisation.
Eaton Vance Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust Report of Earnings
BOSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust (NYSE Amex: EVP) (the "Trust"), a closed-end management investment company, today announced the earnings of the Trust for the three and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2009. The Trust's fiscal year ends on November 30, 2009.
Eaton Vance New York Municipal Income Trust Report of Earnings
Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust Report of Earnings
BOSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust (NYSE Amex: EVJ) (the "Trust"), a closed-end management investment company, today announced the earnings of the Trust for the three and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2009. The Trust's fiscal year ends on November 30, 2009.
New Credit Suisse/Tremont Commentary Offers Insight Into October Hedge Fund Performance
NEW YORK, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Hedge funds posted a slight gain for the month as market reversals muted performance. The Credit Suisse/Tremont Hedge Fund Index ("Broad Index") finished up 0.13% for the month, bringing year to date performance to 15.11% through October 31, 2009.
Eaton Vance Michigan Municipal Income Trust Report of Earnings
BOSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance Michigan Municipal Income Trust (NYSE Amex: EMI) (the "Trust"), a closed-end management investment company, today announced the earnings of the Trust for the three and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2009. The Trust's fiscal year ends on November 30, 2009.
Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Report of Earnings
BOSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE Amex: CEV) (the "Trust"), a closed-end management investment company, today announced the earnings of the Trust for the three and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2009. The Trust's fiscal year ends on November 30, 2009.
Trustees of Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund and Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II Approve Change in Investment Policies
BOSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Trustees of Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund (NYSE: EOI) and Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II (NYSE: EOS), each a diversified, closed-end investment company (collectively, the "Funds" and each a "Fund"), have approved a change to the Funds' investment policies with respect to the sale of stock underlying a call option.
Eaton Vance Corp. Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call Notification
BOSTON, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV) will host a conference call at 11:00 AM EST on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 to discuss financial results for the quarter ended October 31, 2009. The call will follow a news release announcing fourth quarter earnings that will be issued at approximately 9:00 AM on November 24, 2009.
Schooner Investment Group's Greg Levinson is Part of an Emerging Trend in the Mutual Fund Space
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- There is a growing trend in the investment management community. Hedge fund managers are crossing over into the traditional money management space of mutual funds. That is exactly what Greg Levinson of Schooner Investment Group did in early 2008. Levinson, a 15 year hedge fund veteran, launched the Schooner Growth and Income Fund (SCNAX) with the intention of bringing more sophisticated investment strategies into a mutual fund framework. The mutual fund structure has a lot of appeal to investors; offering daily liquidity, full transparency, management fee only pricing, little to no leverage. Hedge funds offer sophisticated strategies, good risk management techniques, and a high talent pool to draw from. "It seemed a natural progression to merge some of the positive aspects of these two worlds, and we are pleased that Schooner Investment Group is on the front end of this emerging trend," commented Levinson.
Ex PIMCO Professionals Launch Absolute Return Mutual Fund
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Harness Investment Management Group, LLC announced today that they will launch a new mutual fund, the Harness Absolute Return Fund (Ticker: HIARX). This new fund, currently in an initial offering period, is expected to commence operations December 31, 2009. The Fund's advisor is Harness Investment Management Group, LLC.
The Genworth 2009 Consumer Financial Vulnerability Index
RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American consumers are more optimistic about their personal finances than their European counterparts based on results of the third annual Genworth Consumer Financial Vulnerability Index.
K. D. Clewley Capital Management Invests Your Money Safely and Profitably
LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- K. D. Clewley Capital Management has continued to thrive during the market tumult of the past few years. President and founder Kevin Clewley attributes this in large part to the company's analysis of the business cycle that it uses to avoid major market downturns. The company correctly forecast the recent recession and moved all portfolios out of stocks and into safer money market funds in Fall 2007, avoiding a subsequent 50% drop in the S&P 500. Early in the summer of 2009, the firm correctly anticipated the end of the recession and moved back into stocks. Since then, the S&P 500 has increased by 16%.
Recession-Weary Affluent Americans Hesitant to Invest Despite Improving Market
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The recession has left a large number of America's wealthy cautious about re-investing in the stock market and skeptical about a strong economic recovery, according to a survey by PNC Wealth Management, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC).
Eaton Vance Launches Build America Bond Fund
BOSTON, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV), announced today the launch of Eaton Vance Build America Bond Fund (the "Fund"), America's first actively managed mutual fund designed for investment in taxable municipal obligations issued under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Build America Bonds"), landmark legislation enacted to provide sweeping stimulus for the U.S. economy.
Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund Annual Meeting of Shareholders
BOSTON, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At a meeting held on November 16, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE: EVV), a closed-end investment company, voted to hold the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. (EST). The meeting will be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Proxy materials will be mailed on or about December 22, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 11, 2009. Shareholders will be asked to vote on the election of three Class I Trustees of the Fund.
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund Annual Meeting of Shareholders
BOSTON, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At a meeting held on November 16, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE: ETO), a closed-end investment company, voted to hold the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. (EST). The meeting will be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Proxy materials will be mailed on or about December 22, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 11, 2009. Shareholders will be asked to vote on the election of three Class III Trustees of the Fund.
Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund Annual Meeting of Shareholders
BOSTON, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At a meeting held on November 16, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE: EVG), a closed-end investment company, voted to hold the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. (EST). The meeting will be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Proxy materials will be mailed on or about December 22, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 11, 2009. Shareholders will be asked to vote on the election of three Class II Trustees of the Fund.
Month-End Portfolio Data Now Available for Federated Investors' Closed-End Municipal Funds
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Federated Investors, Inc. today announced that monthly fund composition and performance data for Federated Premier Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: FMN) and Federated Premier Intermediate Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: FPT) as of Oct. 31, 2009 are now available in the Products section of FederatedInvestors.com. To order hard copies of this data or to be placed on a mailing list, call 800-245-0242 x8079, email CEinfo@federatedinv.com or write to Federated Investors, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Floor 23, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.
Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc. Announces Record Date and Payment Date for Monthly Distribution
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: FCO) (the "Fund"), a closed-end bond fund, announced today that it will pay a monthly distribution of US 7.0 cents per share on December 11, 2009 to all shareholders of record as of November 30, 2009 (ex-dividend date November 25, 2009).
Mutual Funds
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Talk of Asset Bubbles Spooks Equities
Evidence is piling up that some assets are overheated.
OppenheimerFunds' 529 Settlement Could Lead to Others
The $20 million settlement of an Oregon 529 plan lawsuit could break a logjam preventing other states from recovering some of their lost college savings.
Stocks End Lower as Risk Fatigue Sets In
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Rogers: Investing Is a Marathon
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What's In Store for International Banks?
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Fund Times: Fairholme Raises Minimum Investment
New T. Rowe Price fund, new indexing methodology patent, and more.
Stocks End Lower, Despite In-Line Data
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