Websites that offer MER (Management Expense Ratio) calculators and others that offer advice on low MER funds available have resulted in many investors trying to figure out if they are paying too much for their mutual funds or if the MER they are paying is actually eroding their investments over time. They’re right to worry aren’t they?

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Exchange Traded Funds allow investors to trade index portfolios just as they do shares of stock. Exchange Traded Funds can be traded throughout the day unlike open-ended mutual funds which can be traded only at the end of the day when net asset value is calculated. Moreover, the Exchange Traded Funds can be sold short or purchased on margin.

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Before we can answer the question “should you invest in individual bonds or bond mutual funds”, we have to first understand the purpose of owning bonds in your portfolio. Novice investors use bonds as an income generator, relying on yields to supplement living expenses during retirement. Institutional investors and competent advisors, on the other hand, view bonds as a tool to reduce portfolio volatility. Total return, not just bond yield, is what counts. If the purpose of holding bonds is to control portfolio risk, then owning bond funds, not individual bonds, is the appropriate choice.

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If you’re not educated on the ABC’s, you could end up with a failing grade in portfolio management. The ABC’s I’m referring to are the share classes of commission mutual funds.

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Mutual Funds are probably the best way to invest in the Stock Market. For both the novice and experienced investor, Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are probably the best investment vehicles to invest in the stock market.

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This article aims to provide investors with a tried and tested way of investing in mutual funds. It also gives tips on how best to approach an adviser when in doubt. In a nutshell, it makes investing in mutual funds easy and hassle free.

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To compare mutual funds… what do you consider? Are mutual fund ratings enough? Are historical rates of return enough? How do you choose?

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Bank Deposits have become less attractive for investments due to a fall in interest rates offered and the imposition of deduction of tax at source on the interest earned on bank deposits. For the Indian investor looking to earn attractive return on investments, the best route today available is to invest in mutual funds. Mutual Funds are by far the best option on account of several factors.

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In order to increase the avenues for investment abroad, Indian mutual funds were allowed to invest in rated securities in countries with fully convertible currencies, within the existing limits. Earlier such investment was only permitted in ADRs/GDRs issued by Indian companies in overseas markets. A road map for developing Separate Trading for Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (STRIPS) has been prepared.

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Bonds are one of the best places to invest when the economy is not performing well. It ensures regular interest payments and possible capital appreciation when bond price increases. But bond mutual funds are better than bonds because they also provide liquidity to the investor apart from having all the advantages of investing in bonds.

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